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DIG K'S 

ART OF GYMNASTICS 

CONTAINrNG 

PEACTICAL AND PKOGEESSIVE EXEKCISES APPLICABLE TO ALL THE 

PELNCIPAL APPARATUS OF A WELL-APPOINTED GYMNASIUM 

PLAINLY DESCEIBED 



PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED 



f^t 



WILLIAM B DICK 



NEW Y O R K 
D I OK & FIT Z GEE AL D PUBLISHEES 




\\ 






COPYUIGHT, 1885, BT 

DICK & FITZCtEKALD. 



LC Control Number 




tmp96 026214 



O OI^TEISTTS 



Page. 

INTEODUCTION' = 5 

Technical Teems 9 

Feee Exeecises 11 

TUMBLrN^G- 16 

The LEApnsTG Pole , 20 

The Vaulting Hoese 23 

The Hoeizontal Bae 39 

VAULTI2fG OVEE THE BAE . 6] 

The Paeallel Baes 65 

The Eings 83 

The Kow of Eiistgs 95 

The Teapeze 97 

The Inclined Laddee 1C8 



DICK'S 

ART OF GYMNASTICS. 



II^TEODUOTIO]^. 



The importance of physical training for the development of muscle and 
strengthening the human frame has always been freely admitted, and in 
modern times athletic exercises and field sports form a necessary adjunct to 
a thorough or collegiate education. 

In the early and palmy days of Ancient Greece, periodical exhibitions of 
individual prowess in feats combining strength, agility and skill were 
deemed of national importance, and the celebrated Games at Olympia and 
other prominent places always attracted crowds of visitors, and were highly 
appreciated by all who assisted at them. In all these games the contestants 
for supremacy and fame were, stripped almost nude, and hence the term 
*' Gymnast" is apphed to the votaries of Athletic skill, being derived from 
a Greek word signifying naked. 

Those ancient Games included Racing, Wrestling, and various field 
sports, which in modern times are classed under Athletics, the term 
" Gymnastics" being specially given to the exercises performed by the aid 
of those appliances which constitute the modern Gymnasium. 

There is no question in regard to the advantages which accrue fi'om a 
thorough and systematic physical training, prominent among which are ease 
and freedom of action, endurance, and nerve. Every muscle in the body 
has its object and use, and when properly developed its functions are per- 



INTRODUCTION. 



formed promptly and effectually, imparting not only additional physical 
power, but also flexibility and grace. The perfect control which is thus 
gained over the muscles induces rapidity of action and dexterity ; the eye 
acquires precision, and with the rapidity of thought the well-trained muscles 
act responsive to the will. 

All these advantages evidently tend to give a person presence of mind 
in danger, and confer a degree of courage, based upon conscious powers, 
that cannot be attained in any other way; and still further, gymnastic 
exercises undoubtedly induce a more perfect condition of physical health, 
exuberance of spirits, a clear brain, and the energy inseparable from success 
in all enterprises. 

Among the Glermans, Gymnastics form a prominent part of education 
commencing with the simple calisthenic drill in the Kindergarten, and fol- 
lowed by the regular juvenile classes in the Turn-Hall, in which both sexes 
receive almost the same degree of training. The interest in these exercises 
continues as the yoimg folks growup, extending in many instances to mature 
manhood, and the numerous Turnvereins, in which emulation and sociali- 
biUty are combined, include quite a fair proportion of the young men in 
every G-erman community. These institutions, together with the numerous 
well-appointed and deservedly popular Gymnasiums in which the member- 
ship is entirely irrespective of nationality, should furnish ample means for 
the physical education of all who desire to participate in its benefits. 

Special words of caution and advice, where they are most needed, will 
be found interspersed throughout this work, but a few general directions 
will not be out of place just here. 

The learner at first should studiously avoid over-taxing his strength ; he 
shoidd adopt only such exercises as are entirely within his powers, and 
desist the moment that he begins to experience fatigue. Power of endurance 
is not attained by violent overstraining ; on the contrary, it is the result of 
moderation, practice and perseverance. 

When he has fairly mastered the prehminary Free Exercises, by which 
he will learn how to preserve a firm balance in all positions, and also acquire 
some degree of muscular elasticity ; then, and no sooner, he may commence 
to exercise regularly on the various apparatus provided for the purpose. In 
every instance he should confine himself to one or two of the earlier 
exercises, and become fairly perfect in those before attempting more advanced 
and difficult feats. He will find that the order inwhich the exercises in each 



I NTBO D U CTIOJSf. 



branch are arranged, in this work is, as far as possible, progressive, and 
proficiency in each in its regular turn will result in proficiency in all. 

Before attempting any exercise, the nature of every movement in it must 
be studied and thoroughly understood by precept or example, and in some 
instances preferably by both combined ; the feat should then be attempted 
carefully, deliberately, and without fear. Indecision invites failure ; 
resolution gives nerve, and insures success. 

In this connection the illustrations given in each exercise will be found of 
indispensable service, making plain at a glance movements which it would 
be hardly possible to describe without their aid, and in most cases obviating 
the necessity of the practical example of an expert instructor. 

In order to secure entire freedom of action, all superfluous clothing should 
be dispensed with when exercising. Gymnasts usually supply themselves 
with a regular costume for the purpose, consisting of a shirt and drawers of 
light and elastic woolen material, with canvas shoes, belt, etc., complete, 
which can be obtained at a very moderate cost. 

Over-exertion, and consequent over-heating, are both injurious to the 
system, and when these occur, the regular clothing should be resumed 
■without delay, and change of temperature avoided until the body has 
regained its natural state. In many gymnasiums, the hurtful effects of 
necessarily violent exertion are guarded against by the appUcation of 
friction to the body and limbs, removing all traces of perspiration, and 
inducing a healthy glow on the skin, and also by the use of a plunge bath 
provided for the purpose. 

The course of instruction embraced in this work prescribes the exercises 
to be practised upon all the leading apparatus of the gymnasium, and, in 
the methods laid down and their progressive arrangement, valuable aid has 
been gathered from the work on Physical Education by Archibald Maclaren, 
of the University Gymnasium in Oxford, England, and casually from other 
technical works on the subject. 

I A well-appointed gymnasium generally includes several minor appliances, 
such as Pulley- Weights, Eowing-Bench, etc., but their object and use are 
so simple and obvious as to require no special explanation. 
, ] A high degree of perfection in any Art involves not only persevering 
1 effort to excel but some degree of natural aptitude, and success is depend- 
* ent, first on innate talents, and second on their due development. 

Even in Gymnastics some will possess a high deg*e of natural adapt- 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

ability ■both of physical form and flexibility of limb, which will make their 
progress comparatively easy and rapid ; while others, who are less gifted, 
will arrive at the same proficiency only by arduous perseverance, if at all. 

Taking into consideration, however, that the principal aim of Gymnas- 
tics, from an educational point of view, is physical training for the improve- 
ment of the human frame, and not for any special pre-eminence in the Art, 
no one should feel discouraged nor allow himself to be deterred by any lack 
of adaptabihty from reaping all the benefit he can from the advantages 
within his reach. 

If the student possesses ambition to excel, and perseverance to succeed, 
he will be able, by following instructions faithfully, to perform the most 
daring and effective acts upon the Horizontal Bar and Trapeze, and to 
apply the facilities he has gained to the conception of new and startling 
feats, all of which depend upon precision, nerve and skill. The more expert 
he becomes, the more surprised will he be to find how former difficulties 
appear to have vanished ; and feats, which at first severely taxed his powers, 
can now be accomplished more by volition than by effort, or, more strictly 
speaking, by both working together. 

This change is due not only to actual increase of strength naturally 
resulting from the training he has undergone, but also largely to the experi- 
ence he has gained by which he is able intuitively to apply the proper force 
at the right moment. This is a great acquirement ; in it lies the secret of 
some of the most astounding feats of strength and dexterity, and without 
it no one can attain perfection in the Art of Gymnastics. 



TEOHiq"IOAL TERMS. 



It is very difficult, and in some cases impossible, to give clear and intelli- 
gent instructions in any Art without having recourse to Technical Terms, 
which consist of words to which a much fuller (and sometimes arbitrary) 
meaning is assigned, than the mere words employed would otherwise convey. 
The use of such terms serves to avoid needless repetition and assists greatly 
in difficult explanations. 

In Gymnastics but few of these are needed, but whenever they occur in 
the course of the Instructions, they are used exactly in the sense that is given 
in their definitions. 

The Step is the completed action, simple or compound, of which certain con- 
tinuous exercises, as climbing, are composed ; every successive action 
throughout such exercises being but a repetition of the first step. 

The Position is the attitude of body to be assumed previous to the initiatory 
step. 

The Beach is the point to which the hand is raised on the full upward exten- 
sion of the arm. 

Tlie Half Beach is the point, on a level with the face, to which the hand is 
raised when, the fore-arm is bent nearly at a right angle with the upper 
arm. 

TJie Best is the point, on a level with the breast, to which the hand is 
raised or lowered when the arm is completely bent. 

The Distance is the space between the hands when they are stretched 
forwards, the width of the shoulders apart, as in vaulting. 

The Space is the distance between any two regularly recurring points of an 
apparatus, as the rounds of a ladder. 

Yielding is the action of the body performed to avoid shock or concussion on 
dropping from a height. 

9 



10 TECHNICAL TERMS. 

Every form of leap or spring terminates iu a position of body similar to 
that tat en up in the preliminary movements of the first leap, namely, in the 
depression of the trunk upon the limbs, and the bending of the joints. This 
is done, strictly speaking, neither before nor after the descent is made, but 
as it were in detail, as tbe different parts of the body successively arrive; 
the feet first, with the heels raised ; the lower limbs next, with the knees 
bent ; the trunk following, pressing the hips to the rear ; the whole yielding 
to the encounter with the resisting ground, and thus breaking the shock or 
concussion. 

The Leading hand, foot, or side, is the one which takes the lead in any 
exercise. 

The Supporting hand, foot, or side, follows the leading one. 

Tlie Reversed Grasp of the hand is when the palm is turned inwards, 
towards the face. 

The thumbs and fingers are said to be together when in grasping an object 
the thumb and forefinger do not separate ; they are said to be meeting 
when they partly or wholly encircle an object and meet, or nearly so, 
from opposite sides. 



TREE EXEECISES. 



Many of these can be performed by several parties, or an entire class, at 
the same time, and are intended to prepare the body of the pupil for subse- 
quent and more difficult exercises. 

At the command of the leader, ^' Fall in," the pupils should form ia line, 
thus : Feet close together, the body erect, chest out, hands on hips, thumbs 
bent backward. 

At the command, " Half Distance," the first in line remains standing, 
while the others step aside, each touching his right hand neighbor's 
shoulder with his extended right hand. (See Fig. 1, a and &.) 

Fig. 1. 




At the command, "Whole Distance," the first of the line, who is left 
standing alone as above described, extends his left arm sideways, and the 
others step aside until they touch with their extended hands the points of 
each other's fingers. (See Fig. 1, c and d.) The distance between the 
pupUs will be regulated by the exercises which the teacher intends to 
practise. 

11 



12 



FREE EXERCISES. 



Fig. 2. 



What are termed '^ Free Exercises," are intended to strengtlien the legs, 
and give flexibility to the hips and hack. The hendiug of the hack should 
he practised with the greatest care, in order to avoid accidents. Free 
exercises cannot he too highly recommended ; they are indispensable to 
every gymnast, and greatly assist at exercises upon fixed instruments. 

1. Lie on your back,keep the body rigid, with the arms close to the sides, 
legs and heels in the same hne. Without moving the lower limbs raise the 
body perpendicularly from the hips upward. If the first effort is not successful 
try again. Clasp the hands over the head and repeat the effort. 

2. Turn the face downwards, extend the body 
longitudinally, hands turned inward, the fingers 
pointed to each other ; the body must be supported 
by the toes and the strength of the arms. Allow the 
body to sink gradually, bending the arms slightly, still 
keeping the body extended, without permitting the 
stomach to touch the floor. Kiss the fingers of each 
hand alternately and slowly return to the first posi- 
tion. Eepeat the exercise several times. 

3. Stand erect with the right arm extended hor- 
izontally to front in a line with the 
shoulder, raise the right leg as high as 
possible without bending the knee, re- 
turn to the first position, and perform 
the same exercise with the other arm 

and leg. Eepeat ten times. (Fig. 2.) This is simply attempt- 
ing to kick the extended hand with the toe without bending 
the knee. 

4. Stand erect with the heels close together, stretch out 
the arms horizontally to the front of the body in a line with 
the shoulders, fingers extended and the palms close together, 
slowly separate the hands, keeping them at the same level, 
the arms straight, and endeavor to make the backs of the 
hands meet behind the back. Eepeat frequently. 

5. Stand erect with the arms folded behind, draw up the 
right thigh rapidly, as high as possible, the body remaining perfectly erect. 
Eepeat with the left thigh. Practise this exercise, until the thighs touch the 
breast with ease. (Fig. 3.) 




ri«. 3. 




FREE EXERCISES. 



13 



Fiff. 4. 




Fiff. 5. 



Stand erect with the hands resting on the hips. (Fig. \-a.) Bend the 
right knee and extend the left leg as shown 
in Fig. 4. Make the movement alternately; 
from one foot to the other. The weight o1 
the body rests on the point of the toe of the 
bent leg ; the extended leg should not be 
bent at the knee. Repeat several times. 

7. Stand erect as in the last exercise, 
keep the legs straight and rigid. Raise 
the heels slowly from the ground bending 
-/the toe-joints as much as possible. Prac- 
'. tise this exercise until 
able to stand on the 
tips of the toes. 
8. Position as in the sixth exercise. Lower the 
body until the breech touches the heels. (Fig. 5.) Re- 
peat frequently. Vary the exercise by hopping back- 
wards, forwards and sideways. This is an excellent 
exercise for the toes, ankles and knees. It will require 
much practice to perform the exercise on the extreme 
tips of the toes as shown in the 
engraving. 

9. Stand erect with the arms /' \y'' 
extended horizontally in front in 
a line with the shoulders. Extend the left leg in front 
of the body in a line with the hip. Bend the right 
knee gradually until the breech touches the ground. 
(Fig. 6.) Repeat alternately with both legs. 

10. Position as in the sixth exercise. Kneel grad- 
ually until both knees touch the ground ; then rise 
again slowly, without moving the hands or feet, and 

assume the first position. This exercise may be varied by crossing the 
toes, bending the knees slowly, and setting as a tailor or a Turk ; from this 
position rise without moving the hands from the hip. Repeat both exercises. 
11. Position same as sixth exercise. Throw the left leg backwards so as to 
touch the breech with the heel. (Fig. 7.) Repeat alternately with right and left 
leg. The body and thighs must be kept straight, and the motion must be quick. 



Fig 6. 





14 



FREE EXERCISES. 



Fiff. 7. 




12. Position same as the ninth exercise. 
Bend the body forward without bending the 
knees, so as to touch the ground with out- 
stretched fingers, or with the full hand. 
(Fig. 8.) Eepeat. 

J 3. Position same as ninth exercise. Bend 
the body forward so as to place the head 
between the knees ; legs to be kept straight. 
Fig. 9.) Eepeat. 

14. Stand erect, legs close together, arms extended hori- 






<^i 



Fis. 11. 



zontally, sideways, on a line with the shoulders, 
the body forming a '^ cross." 

Move the body sideways, alternately from 
right to left as represented in Fig. 10. Both 
legs must be kept straight. 

15. Stand erect with the hands clasped 
behind the back. Bend the right knee, extend 
the left leg horizontally to the rear, reach the 
body forward and endeavor to take from the 
ground a piece of wood not more than half an inch in diam- 
eter. (Fig. 11), no part of 
the body excepting the 
one foot to touch the 
ground. Eeturnto first 
position and repeat al- 
ternately with right and 
left leg. 

16. Position same as 
sixth exercise. Jump up, 

spread the legs wide apart and close them 
before alighting. Keep the toes pointed 
and the hands on the hips. 

17. Jump over a stick, grasped by both 
hands, forward and backward as shown in Fig. 12. 

18. Bend the body forward, with arms extended in front, until the palms 
rest flat upon the floor a trifle in advance of the feet ; throw the weight 
of the body forward upon the hands, and, having established a good bal- 



l's^. 




FREE EXERCISES. 



15 



ance upon them, raise tlie body and legs upwards until they Fig. 13. 
are balanced in a perpendicular position, as seen in Fig. 13. 
Fig. 12. The same result may also be attained by 

the method described for the " Handspring." 
(See second exercise in Tumbling.) 

When the foregoing exercises have been 
perseveringly practised, and a fair degree of 
proficiency attained in their performance, the 
learner will be well prepared for feats requir- 
ing some degree of nerve as well as dexterity. 

He will now have acquired the method of 
obtaining a steady balance in various positions 
of the body, and also of preserving it while in 
motion. This is a very necessary acquisition, and confers confi- 
dence, which in its turn gives the requisite nerve to attempt 
more daring feats. 

He will, therefore, be ready to apply what he has learned to the more 
difficult exercises of Tumbling. 





TUMBLIlNrG. 



The several exercises embraced in what is popularly called Tumbling, are 
all very arduous, and require gi-eat resolution, pluck, and constant practice 
to achieve in a satisfactory manner; nothing but perseverance against 
repeated failure, will enable the tyro to overcome these difficulties. Begin- 
ners should not attempt these exercises except upon a mattrass, and under 
the instruction of an experienced teacher. To prevent accidents the 
Lungers should be used when practising. (See Fig. 5, page 19.) 

1. The Upstart ; or Backspring— Lie on the back, at full length, upon a 
large mattrass, place the arms as shown in Fig. ], I'ig- 1- 

palms of the hands downward upon the mattrass, 
raise the legs over the head, throwing the weight 
of the body on the shoulders (Fig. 1), and with a 
good spring from the hands and shoulders, and a 
quick movement forward, throw the legs forward 
and endeavor to bring them down smartly under 
the body, making the feet describe a semi-circle, 
and at the same time lifting the body as much as 
possible in the effort. The learner will probably find that as soon as he has 
made the semi-circle, all control of the body will be lost, and he will fall on 
his back, instead of coming up on his feet. The chief thing, therefore, is to 
bring the feet under, and on the ground as rapidly as possible, and simul- 
taneously, as the feet are near touching, to bring the hands forward so as 
preserve a balance when an upright position is being attained. 

Another, and more difficult, way of performing this feat, is as follows : 
Instead of putting the palms of the hands on the mattrass, place them 
upon the thighs, roll over on the shoulders as shown in Fig. 1, spring forward 
from the shoulders, and as the semi-circle is being described by the feet 
assist the movement by pushing the thighs with the hands, snap the feet 
imder the body very rapidly and come to an erect position. This feat will 
require to be practised over and over again, and will tax the patience of the 
gymnast before it can be performed with anything like ease and precision. 

16 




TUMBLING. 



17 



The ''Upstart" is a great favorite with performers, and is often era- 
ployed to mitigate the mortification of failure when the unfortunate gymnast, 
attempting some difficult feat, happens to land to his back. 

2. The Hand-spring. — Stand erect, place the right leg a little in advance 
of the other, the body slightly bending backward and the arms raised 
Me 2 perpendicularly above the head (Fig. 2). Spring for- 

ward upon the hands, throw the left leg quickly over, in- 
stantly followed by the right leg. Now comes the critical 
point of the whole movement — during the moment that 
the hands are on the ground keep the arms still, chest 
out, head back, and just as the legs are going over, 
(Fig. 3), sprmg with the arms pushing from the fingers, 
and this combined with the original spring will enable the 
gymnast to execute a complete circle landing on his feet. 
This is a difficult feat, and can only be accom- 
plished after persistent efibrt. The novice will fall back 
often and again, but after repeated trials wiU succeed 
in coming on his feet with his legs very much bent 
under the body; continued practice, however, will enable 
him to come over and assume an erect position, ready 
to perform a second hand-spring if necessary. 

3. The Flip-Flap; or Back-Hand-spring.— Stand on 

one end of the mattrass, (which may be raised a little) 
with the back towards it, legs slightly 
apart, arms straight ; bend down slightly 
for a spring backwards, quickly throw the 
arms and head back, and bending the up- 
per part of the body backwards, at the 
same time throw the legs upward over the 
head, pitch over on the hands, and with 
quick spring from the hands and arms 
come over and ahght on the feet. 

This feat is considered to be much 
more difficult than the Forward Hand- 
spring. The Flip-Flap may be executed 
from the position of '' Bending the Craib " 




Mg. 3. 




18 



TUMBLING. 



(see Fig. 4) and many gymnasts learn liow to accomplish 
it in that way. All backward exercises require more 
practice and confidence than forward movements. 



Fig. 4. 




4. The Forward Somersault.— Stand erect with the 
arms raised up perpendicularly, take a short run, jump up 
from both feet at once (which should be a little apart), 
throw the arms down and the head and shoulders forward 
with a quick spring, at the same time gathering the legs 
behind. At this point the chief diflBculty is to get suffi- 
cient impetus to turn the body completely around and ahght on the feet, 
and in this, great assistance may be obtained from what is technically 
known as the ''catch." "When the jump is made sufficiently high catch the 
hands on the under part of the thighs just above the knees and pull the 
knees up to the body, letting them go when alighting. In the catch, the 
arms being suddenly arrested when in violent action, their momentum is im- 
parted to the lower part of the body, thus, in a great degree, assisting in 
making the turn. ^ 

This exercise is very difficult to execute in a finished style ; the beginner 
usually makes a plunge head foremost as if diving into the water; pitching 
over on to his back, and gi'>ang himself a good shaking up ; this has such a 
discouraging effect that he is apt to feel like giving up the exercise, but con- 
tinued efibrt soon begets confidence, and this, backed by determination, soon 
enables him to accomplish the feat. 

5. The Backward Somersault.— Stand erect with the feet a little apart, 
and the arms raised perpendicularly, bring the arms down with a quick 
swinging motion, raise them quickly, as high as possible, as if with an effi)rt 
to raise the body, at the same instant, with a powerful spring, throw the legs 
right over the head, catching the thighs, and gathering the legs and body 
Tip as it were, and you will in time turn over, and come in an upright posi- 
tion before the head has time to touch the ground. 

This exercise must be practised on a good mattrass, and with the assist- 
ance of the Lungers. 

The Lungers consist of an article of which there should be some two cr 
three in every gymnasium, and be constantly used by gymnasts, especially 
by beginners, whenever any fear is entertained of being unable to go through 
any exercise without help of some kind. 



I U MB LIN a. 



19 



The Lungers are composed of a strong leather belt or strap, about li or 
l-Jinch wide, with a strong buckle wherewith to fasten it round the waist of 
the gymnast ; two metal fastenings or swivels are fastened to the sides of 

Fig. 5. 




the belt (See Fig. 5), to which two ropes, about f of an inch in diameter and 
4 feet long, are fixed. 

The strap being adjusted round the waist of the gymnast, two assistants, 
each taking hold of a rope, stand, one on either side of him, and, no matter 
what exercise he is about to try — ^he need be under no fear of any mishap, 
for, should a slip occur, all that the assistants have to do (they having had 
their eyes fixed upon him all the time), is quickly to puU the rope firmly 
upwards, and he is safe. 



THE LEAPIlsTG POLE. 



The esercises with the Leaping Pole may almost be viewed as belonging 
to recreative rather than systematized exercise, being essentially for the 
open air, and among the few which may be left for free practice, after the 
learner has acquired a knowledge of the action and position of the diiferent 
exercises. They are valuable as giving precision to the eye and hand, the 
faculty of calculating distance, and of rapidly determining the moment for 
executing a complicated movement, with the presence of mind to execute it, 
in addition to the physical exercise of the run and leap, the balance and 
descent. 

The Leaping Pole should be of ash, about If inches in diameter, and from 
nine to ten feet long, perfectly smooth, and shod with iron at the butt or 
lower end. 

Kg. 1. Fig. 2. 




1. To Leap Dist&nce.— Position of attention, one pace from the mark, 
with the pole at the balance, i.e. held horizontally across the body with the 



20 



THE LEAPING POLE. 



21 



FifiT. 3. 



arms bent, the butt of the pole held slanting to the front, the hands at the 
distance, the right hand to the front, the palms of the hands upwards, the 
fingers and thumbs meeting; or with the palm of the right hand downwards. 

1. Advance the right foot to the edge of the mark, advance the butt of 
the pole to the utmost reach, and fix it on the ground without displacing the 
feet or changing the grasp of the hands (Fig. 1). 

2. Spring from the feet, and pass by the left of the pole, the whole body 
with the lower limbs straight and extended in one line when passing the 
pole (Fig. 2) ; descend yielding, and as the feet meet the ground raise the 
pole to the balance. 

This exercise to be repeated, advancing the left foot to the mark, the left 
hand to the front, and passing by the right of the pole. 

2. To Leap Height. — Position as in first exercise, a short distance from 
the barrier (in proportion to its height). 

1. As in first exercise, advancing th e butt of 
the pole to within a few feet of the barrier 
(according to its height). 

2. Spring from the feet and clear the barrier, 
passing by the left of the pole, the body in posi- 
tion as in first exercise when clearing the barrier 
(Fig. 3) ; after clearing the barrier, quit the grasp 
of the pole, throwing it back to the starting- 
point, and descend yielding, facing the barrier. 

This exercise to be repeated, advancing the 
left foot, the left hand to the front, and passing 
by the right of the pole. 

3. To Leap Depth. — Position as in first exer- 
cise, the toes at the edge of the platform. 

1. Advance the pole and firmly plant the butt 
on the ground. 
2. Press lightly from the feet, quit the platform or ground, passing by 
the right of the pole, the trunk of the body in the line of the pole when 
passing it, the lower limbs at a right angle with it, the toes pointed to the 
front; contiaue the descent (Fig. 4), and when nearing the ground quit the 
grasp of the pole, throw it slightly to the left, and descend yielding. 
This exercise to be repeated, passing by the left of the pole. 




22 



THE LEAPING POLE. 



4. To Leap "Width. — Position of attention twenty or thirty paces from 
the edge of the place to be cleared, or ditch, the pole at the balance, the 
right hand to the front. Fig. 4. 

]. Begin the advance 
with a short, light, and well- 
measured step, fixing the 
eye on the ditch and regard- 
ing it steadily, quicken the 
pace when nearing it, select 
the spot and plant the pole 
•without halt, springing by 
the left, the position of body 
and lower limbs as in first 
exercise, descend yielding, 
bringing the pole to the bal- 
ance. 

This exercise to be re- 
peated, advancing the left 
foot, passing by the right of the pole, the left hand to the front. 

These four exercises are amply sufficient to give the learner full command 
of the leaping-pole ; they will teach him how to preserve his balance when 
depending upon the pole for support, and serve to give him the confidence 
and nerve necessary for more difficult gymnastic exploits. 




THE TAULTIISTG HORSE. 



The exercises on the Vaalting Horse can scarcely be too frequently- 
practised, as they give valuable and widely varied employment to both upper 
and lower limbs, as well as to the trunk. This apparatus is always found 
an excellent one with which to begin the lesson in gymnastics, because it 
affords much and rapid movement without severe or localized effort. The 
exercises are divided into two very distinctly marked series, and admit of 
progressive practice long after the correct action and position have been 
attained, by increasing the elevation of the horse. 

The first series is introductory to the second, and the different exercises 
may be performed upon a horse devoid of neck or pommels. The second 
series is very artistic and effective, and cultivates to the highest attainable 
point that precision and security of grasp and spring which are so valuable 
in exercises when practically applied. A few general hints will be found of 
.great importance to the tyro. 

Before making a spring from a run, strike both feet full and flat upon the 
gfound. When standing beside the horse, the reverse is the case, and the 
.spring is made from the toes. 

When alighting on the ground, do so on the toes, and descend yielding 
(see Technical Terms jja^^e 9) ; if these precautions are not observed a sudden 
shock win be the consequence. 

The horse is made of various lengths, 
but the two sizes generally in use are those 
of 6 feet and 4 feet long, the former size 
having the neck slightly raised {see illus- 
tration), ■while the latter may or may not 
have this modification. 

The width of the horse should be some- 
what less than the distance between the 
parallel bars, say about 19 inches, the 
neck-piece in the larger horse tapering a little towards the end, and raised 




23 



24 THE VAULTING H E S E. 

about 3 inches above the level of the back of the horse ; In the larger horse 
the neck-piece begins about 4 feet from the opposite end or croup, and will 
therefore be 2 feet long. 

The horse is generally covered with leather, or, as some prefer, with 
stout canvas, and padded at the sides to make it a little softer, in the event 
of the legs coming in contact with it when not required, and likewise to 
ensure its being perfectly smooth all over, and to prevent the chance of a. 
splinter being met with while being used. 

The legs being made hollow, and having a sliding leg inside, it can be 
raised to any height, varying from the exact height of the horse, which 
should be about 3 feet 6 inches, to about 6 feet, the horse being kept at the 
required height by 4 iron pins, one of them passing through one of the holes. 
made in each sliding or loose leg. 

The pommels are cut circular, and fit into two grooves cut across the 
back of the horse, about 6 inches down the sides, and are kept in their places 
by means of an iron pin fixed to each, which, passing through the body of 
the horse, is screwed tight with a nut underneath. These pommels are to 
be placed the same distance apart as the parallel bars, viz. 19 inches, which 
they also resemble in point of size, to enable them to be readily grasped, 
and should therefore be about 4 inches above the back of the horse, and 
placed about the middle of it as it stands upon the legs. The pommels may 
be covered in the same manner as the horse, and they should be hoUowed 
a little on the sides, to allow the fingers to have a firmer grasp. Besides 
the above, two flush pommels must be made, which are to replace the others 
when not required, and which, when fixed in their places, make the back of 
the horse apparently smooth. 

Should the gymnasium not allow of a portion of it being boarded (in 
which case the horse is placed on the tanned part close to the edge of the 
flooring), a kind of spring board is necessary to give the feet a firm footing 
in making a spring, or ^' beat " ofi". This board is made of thick wood about 
3 feet long by 2i feet broad, and composed of narrow pieces of 5 or 6 inches, 
wide, securely fastened, forming a small platform, bevelled off at one edge 
and the opposite edge elevated somewhat from the ground by a cross piece 
imderneath it. 



THE VAULTING HOUSE. 



25 



EXERCISES ON A HORSE WITHOUT POMMELS. 

The position of tlie instructor should be close to the horse in front 
of the learner, directiug every motion, and in the early stages of his 
practice counting the time of his movements, and pointing out to him the 
features of the position in the ascent, rest and descent. The instructor 
should also repeatedly execute the exercise himself in the manner most likely 
to make the learner comprehend its peculiarities, at the same time encour- 
aging him, if timid or hesitating, and losing no opportunity of obtaining his 
entire confidence and trust in every situation however critical, remembering 
always that nothing will so readily make a man fall as the fear of falling. 

1. To Vault upon the Horse in Two Moyements.— Position of attention 
close beside the horse. 

1. Raise the hands and place them at the distance (see Technical Terms) 
on the back of the horse, the thumbs and fingers straight and together, and 
pomted to the front (Fig. 1) ; bend the legs, spring from the ground, 
inchning the body to the front, press strongly with the hands, extend the 



Fie. 1. 



Fig. 2. 





arms, and raise the trunk of the body above the horse, the legs straight and 
together, the feet together, and pointed to the ground (Fig. 2). 

2. Elevate the right leg, and by a continuous movement bring it over 
the back of the horse, the column of the body turning with it, and as the 
right thigh approaches the right hand, advance the latter in a hne with the 



26 



THE VAULTING H O B S E. 



left hand, and slowly lower the body on to the saddle, bringing the head 
erect and the chest and trunk well advanced, the hands lightly resting on 



Fig. 3. 




the thighs ; the lower limbs pendent, the toes pointed 
to the front (Fig. 3). 

In descending, incline the head and trunk of the 
body to the front, elevate the left leg to the rear until 
it clears the back of the horse, the right rising to meet 
it, press from the hands, and descend yielding, facing 
the horse. 

This exercise to be repeated on the left. 

2. To Vault Upon the Horse in One Movement.— 

Position as in first exercise. 

1 and 2. As is first exercise, except that the right 

leg should ascend and clear the back of the horse, in a 

continuous movement from the ground to the seat in the saddle. 

^. , Descend as in first exercise. 

Fiar 4. 
°' This exercise to be repeated on the left. 

3. To Vault Over the Horse in Two Movements. — 

Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise to the extension of the arms. 
(Fig. 4). 

2. Elevate both limbs in position to the right, and 
pass them over the horse, incline the head and shoul- 
ders forward, advancing the right hand in a line with 
the left (Fig. 5), press from both hands, and descend 
yielding, facing the horse. 

This exercise to be Fig. 5. 

repeated, passing by 
the left. 

4. To Vault Over the Horse in One 
Movement. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. and 2. As in preceding exercise, ex- 
cejjt that the legs should ascend and clear 
the back of the horse in one continuous 
movement ; after the advance of the right hand, press strongly from both 
and descend yielding, facing the horse. 





THE VAULTING H B S E. 



27 



As the body clears the horse the trunk and lower limbs should be 
extended in the line of the horse, the arms bent, the chest advanced, the 
head thrown back. 

This exercise to be repeated, passing by the left. 

5. To Vault "Upon the Horse Resting on the Knees.— Position as in first 
exercise. 

1. Raise the hands and Fig. 6. Fig. 7. Fig. 8. 

place them at tJie distance on 
the back of the horse, as in 
first exercise ; bend the legs, 
spring from the ground, press 
strongly with the hands, in- 
chne the head and shoulders 
forward, extend the arms, 
and bring the knees straight 
up between them, resting on 
the saddle (Fig. 6). In de- 
scending, rapidly throw the 
hands to the front, a§ high 
as the face, spring with the 
Fie 9 1°^^^ limbs, up- 



ward and forward ' 




|V 



(Fig. 7), and descend yielding (Fig. 8), 

6. To Vault Upon the Horse Resting on the Feet. — Position as 
in first exercise. 

1. As in preceding exercise, except that the knees should be 
brought up between the arms until they are as high as the breast, 
and the feet (instead of the knees) brought to rest on the saddle; 
immediately straighten the legs and come to the position of atten- 
tion (Fig. 9). 

In descending, spring straight to the front, and descend yielding. 

7. To Vault Over the Horse Between the JLa,Ji6s.— Position as 
in first exercise. 

I. As in preceding exercise, except that the feet, instead of resting 
on the saddle, should be shot through the space between the hands 
(Pigs. 10, 11, and 12) ; press from the hands, and descend yielding. 




28 



THE VAULTING HOBSK 



Fiff. 10. 



Fiff. 11. 



Fi";. 12. 




-Position of attention facing 
Fig. 13. 



8. To Vault Upon the Horse With One Hand 
the line of the horse. 

1 , Eaise the left hand and place it 
on the horse, and extend the right arm 
to the rear (Fig. 13). 

2. Bend the legs as in first exercise, 
and spring, elevating the right leg, and 
pass it over the horse, at the same time 
rapidly elevating the right arm above the 
head, the hand closed, and come to the 
seat in the saddle (Fig. 14). 

In descending, inchne the head and 
shoulders to the front, press strongly 
from the left hand and descend as in 
first exercise. 

This exercise to be re- Fig. 14. 

peated with the right hand. 

9. To Vault Over the 
Horse With One Hand. — 
Position as in eighth exer- 
cise. 

1. As in eighth exercise. 

2. As in eighth exercise 
to the spring ; press strong- 
ly vith the left hand, ele- 
vate the right, pass the lower limbs in position over the horse (Fig. 15) and 
descend yielding, facing the horse. 




THE VAULTING HORSE. 



29 



This exercise to be repeated with the right hand. 

10. Running Vault Upon the Horse. — Position of attention 25 or 30 feet 
from the horse. 

I. Slowly begin the run, quickening the 
pace on the advance, and looking straight 
at the horse ; when within 2 or 3 feet of the 
horse, spring from both feet, striking them 
full and flat upon the ground, the hands tak- 
ing their place on the back of the horse im- 
mediately after the spring, pass the right leg 
over the horse, and come to the seat in the 
saddle in one movement, as in Fig. 3. 

In descending, incline the head and trunk 
of the body to the front, elevate the lower 
limbs to the rear straight above the horse, 
the toes pointed upward (Fig. 16) ; slowly let 
the lower limbs, with the entire column of 
the body fall to the right and gradually de- 
scend over the arm until the feet come to the 
ground, the horse on the right (Fig. 17) ; de- 
scend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated on the left. 

II. Running Vault Over the Horse.— Po- 

sition as in tenth exercise. 

1. As in tenth exercise, quickening the 

pace to the utmost speed; spring as m preceding exercise, passing the lower 

limbs over the horse to the right (Fig. 18), 
advance the right hand opposite the left, 
pressing strongly, and descend yielding, fac- 
ing the horse. 

In this exercise the body should be thrown 
well forward in the spring, the feet should 
describe a semicircle, beginning at the point 
where they quit the ground, and finishing 
where they ahght, the hands being the centre 

upon which the trunk and lower limbs turn ; during this exercise, therefore, 




Fig. 17. 



Fis. 18. 




30 



TEE VAULTING HOUSE. 



the cliest should be continually turning towards the horse, the legs should 
be straight and together, the toes pointed, the whole body, when in the act 
of clearing the horse, forming one horizontal line over it. 
This exercise to be repeated on the left. 

12. Running Vault Upon the Horse, Resting on the Knees. — Position as 
in tenth exercise. 

1. As in tenth exercise; spring straight to the front, the hands taking 
their place on the back of the horse immediately after the spring, bring both 
legs, with the knees closely bent up, between the arms and come to rest en 
the knees, as in fifth exercise. Fig. 6. 

Descend as in fifth exercise, Figs. 7 and 8. 

13. Running Vault Upon the Horse, Resting on the Feet. — Position as in 
tenth exercise. 

1. As in preceding exercise, except that the feet, instead of the knees, 
are placed on the saddle, straighten the legs, as in sixth exercise, Fig. 9. 

In descending, extend the arms, spring straight to the front, and descend 
yielding. 

14. Running Vault Over the Horse Between the Hands.— PoseYiow as in 

tenth exercise. 

1. As in preceding exercise, except that the legs are still 
more closely bent up, and the feet instead of resting on the sad- 
dle, are shot through between the hands, as in seventh exercise. 
Figs. 10, n, and 12; press from the hands as the feet clear the 
horse, and descend yielding. 



Fig. 19. 




15. Running Vault Over the 
Horse by the Back Lift.— Po- 

sition as in tenth exercise. 

1. As in tenth exercise to the 
spring ; place the hands upon 
the horse, depress the head and 
shoulders until the latter are 
as low as the hands, and at 
the same time elevate thei 
lower limbs, hips, and loins by 

the rear, until they rise perpendicularly over the hands (Fig. J9), the legs 
straight and together, the toes pointed upwards; continue the sweep of 



THE VAULTING H E S E. 



31 




Bg. 22. 



the lower limbs, let the feet fall backwards bending the back inwards (Fig. 
20), and descend yielding. 

Fig. 21. 16. Eunning Vault Over the Horse With One 

Hand. — Position as in tenth exercise. 

1. As in tenth exercise to the spring; place the 
left hand on the back of the horse, throw the right 
arm above the head, and pass the lower limbs 
over the horse (Fig. 21), lean forward when clear- 
ing it, press strongly with the left hand, and de- 
scend yielding, the horse on the left. 

This exercise to be repeated with the right 
hand. 

17. Running Vault to the Croxip.— Position of attention 25 or ^0 feet from 
the horse; facing the croup. 

1. Slowly begin the run, quickening the pace on the 
advance, and when within 2 or 3 feet of the croup, spring 
from both feet, immediately placing the hands on the 
croup, right and left ; fully separate the lower limbs dur- 
ing the rise, and as the body reaches the croup advance 
the hands G or 8 inches along the back of the horse, and 
lightly sink to the seat on the croup (Fig. 22) ; the head 
and column of the body slightly inclined to the front, the 
lower limbs straight, the toes pointed to the front. 

In descending, incline the head and trunk to the 

horizontal line of the horse, elevate the lower limbs, 

straight and together,until they are in a line with the body (Fig.23) , shoot them 

out far to the rear, at the same time pressing from the hands, and descend 

■p,.^ 23 yielding, facing the croup. 

18. Running Vault to the Saddle.— Pos*- 

tion as in seventeenth exercise. 

1. As in preceding exercise, until the lower 
limbs rise above the croup, but instead of al- 
lowing them to rest, continue the momentum 
of the spring, rapidly advance both hands to 
the saddle and lightly sink to the seat, place 
the hands on the thighs, the head erect, the breast advanced, as in Fig. 3. 





32 



THE VAULTING HORSE. 




Fig. 25, 



In descending, replace the hands on the horse (Fig. 24), elevate the lo\»rer 
limbs, and descend as in tenth exercise, Figs. 16 and 17. 

19. Running Vault to the Croup, Resting on the Fig. 24. 
Knees. — Position as in seventeenth exercise. 

1. As in seventeenth exercise to the spring ; bring 
both legs, with the knees closely bent, up between the 
arms, and let them lightly rest on the croup between 
the hands (Fig. 25). 

In descending, incline the head and trunk of the 
body to the front, slowly elevate the lower limbs, and 
shoot them to the rear, as in seventeenth exercise (Fig. 
23), and descend yielding. 

20. Running Vault to the Croup, Resting on the 
Feet. — Position as in seventeenth exercise. 

1. As in preceding exercise, except that the knees are 
lifted above the croup, as high as the breast, and the soles 
of the feet placed on the horse, straighten the legs, rising 
from the palms to the tips of the fingers, and stand upright 
on the croup (Fig. 26). 

In descending, re -bend the knees, spring backwards, and 
descend yielding, facing the croup. 

21. Runninrj Vault to the Croup, the Legs on the Right.— 

Position as in seventeenth exercise. 

1. As in seventeenth exercise to the spring, but instead of 

separating the lower limbs, keep them together, and dm-ing the 

rise to the croup, pass them to the right, and slowly sink to the 

side-seat on the croup (Fig. 27). 

In descending, incline the head and 
shoulders to the front, press strongly from 
the hands, elevate the lower limbs over the 
horse until they are above the head (Fig. 28), 
slowly let the lower limbs, with the entire 
column of the body, fall to the left, and 
gradually descend over the arm, until the 
feet come to the ground, the horse on the 
left. 






THE VAULTINCr HORSE. 



33 



Fig. 23. 




This exercise to be repeated on the left, descending 
on the right. 

Running Vault to the Croup, the Legs Passing From 
Right to Left. — Position as in seventeenth exercise. 

1. As in preceding exercise, until the rise above the 
croup, but instead of allowing the legs to rest upon it, 
continue the momentum of the spring, lifting the right 
hand, and extending it rapidly above the head, and carry 
the limbs forward and upward over the horse in front 
(Fig. 29), and turning completely round upon the left 
hand, descend yielding, facing the line of the horse, the 
horse on the left (Fig. 30). 

This exercise to be repeated, the legs passing from 
left to right. 



EXEECISES ON THE HOKSE WITH POMMELS. 

The more difficult of the following exercises should not be attempted 
until the whole of the preliminary exercises have been mastered by progres- 
sive practice. 



Fig. 29. 




Fig. 30. 



23. Preliminary Exercises. — I. Po- 
sition of attention close beside the horse, 
directly opposite the pommels. 

1 . Eaise the hands and place them on 
the pommels (Fig. J^l), spring from the 
ground, projecting the chest well for- 
ward, press strongly with the hands,ex- 
tend the arms, and raise the trunk of 
the body above the horse (Fig. 2), carry 
the legs well back, without bending 
them, and at the same time well against 
the side of the horse. Descend yield- 
ing. 

Repeat this exercise several times 
without pausing between the ascent and 
descent, making one continuous move- 
ment of the whole. 



34 



THE VAULTING HORSE. 




n. Position of attention 25 or SO feet from the horse. 

1 . Same as in last exercise hut with a preparatory run. Slowly hegin 
a run, quickening the pace on the advance ; when within 2 or 3 feet of tlio 
horse, spring from both feet, striking them full 
and flat upon the ground, the hands grasping the 
pommels at the same time the spring is made. 
Elevate the body, the arms extended, and descend 
again yielding. 

Repeat this exercise several times without 
pausing between the movements. 

III. Proceed as in exercise I, and after the 
body is upright carry the right leg up at the side 
of the horse into a horizontal position, but with- 
out touching the horse, then let it drop again, and 
carry up the left leg in like manner. 

Repeat this exercise elevating each leg three 
times in succession, without resting or touching the ground between the 
movements. 

IV. Proceed as in the last exercise, but carry up both legs (instead of 
one), as slowly as possible, first to the right, then to the left, keeping them 
straight during the movements. The trunk must not be carried too much in 
the opposite direction to the legs ; a slight Fig. 32. 
deflection of the body cannot always be avoided, 
but the more upright the trunk is kept, the 
greater will be the benefit derived, and the more 
graceful the execution of the exercise. 

Repeat this exercise, elevating both legs three 
times in succession each way, without resting or 
touching the ground between the movements. 

V. Repeat exercise II, and as the body rises 
carry the trunk a little to the right, then give 
it a slight tuni to the left, elevate the right leg 
and throw it over the horse facing the pommels (Fig. 32). As the grasp 
upon the pommels is not to be relinquished during the execution of this exer- 
cise, the body must necessarily be inclined a little forward. 

To dismount, incline the head and trunk well forward, raise the body, 




TSE VAULTING R B S E. 35 

bring the right leg over the horse again, and by a judicious use of the wrists^ 
ahght on the ground as far from the horse as possible, yielding. 
Repeat this exercise without the run. 

VI. Same as preceding exercise, but tui-n the trunk to the right, and 
carry the left leg over the left side of the pommels (near the neck-piece) 
facing the pommels, and looking towards the croup. 

Dismount as in the preceding exercise. 
Repeat this exercise without the run. 

VII. Same as exercise V, see Fig. 32. Lean well forward and dismount^ 
spring up again, instantly, and carry the left leg over the horse as in 
exercise VI. 

This exercise may be repeated several times, alternately employing the 
right and left leg. 

24. The Swinging Exercise. — Position of attention close beside the horse, 
directly opposite the pommels. 

1. As in the preceding exercise (VII), but, instead of alighting ou the 
ground, let the body resume an upright attitude without allowing the feet 
to touch the ground or the arms to be bent, and, then without any other 
spring than that which can be given to the body when suspended in that 
position, carry the left leg over the horse, descend and resume the first posi- 
tion ; then carry the right leg over again, repeating the exercise three times 
each way, alternately, without permitting the feet to touch the ground. The 
legs should be kept perfectly straight, but not stiff. The head and trunk 
should be inclined a little forward each time the leg is carried over the horse; 
this will make the exercise less difiicult to execute. This exercise is also 
called the '^ Saddle Vaulting Movement." 

25. The Reverse ^wmg.— Position as in preceding exercise. 

1. Proceed as in exercise V, page 34, but instead of resting between the 
change, lean the body forward, throw the whole weight upon the arms, and, 
while bringing the right leg back, give the body a kind of turn towards the 
opposite end of the horse, and throw the left leg over it, facing the croup. To 
reverse the movement, lean forward as before, and, as the body turns, throw 
the right leg over again, the legs each time describing a semicircle. 

When able to accomplish this with ease, practise it with a quicker move- 
ment, which will give it the nature of a swing. 

26. Mounting. — Position as in twenty-fourth exercise. 

1. Grasp the pommels, one with each hand (Fig. 31), spring up, giving 



36 



THE VAULTING II B S E. 



the body a turn towards the left, pass the 
right leg, well extended, over the croup 
into the saddle, at the same time shifting 
the hand to the front pommel (Fig. 33). 

Eepeat the same exercise, pass the left 
leg over the horse, making use of the left 
hand where the right is stated, and the 
right for the left; dismount by either of the 
following methods, though all three should 
be practised : 

To dismount : 

First. — Place one hand on either pom- 
mel, then, raising up, bring the right 
leg back over the horse, and alight 
on the ground, yielding. 

Second. — Place both hands on the 
front pommel, lean forward so as to 
throw the whole weight of the body 
upon the arms, bring the right leg 
over the horse, and alight, yielding, 
as far as possible from the horse. 

Third. — Place the right hand on the 
saddle with the wrist turned towards 
the left, and grasp the pommel with 
the left hand, then, throwing the 
body forward as before, alight on 
ground, yielding. 

27. Swinging Round the Circle. — Po- 
sition as in twenty -fourth exercise. 

1. Grasp the pommels, one with each 
hand (Fig. 31); spring up, pass both legs 
over the croup (Fig. 34-a) behind the sad- 
dle (&) and jump to the ground. Eetum 
the same way by a strong impulse of the 
body, completely round the horse, spread- 
ing the left leg (c) and bringing the body 
into a sitting position in the saddle. 



Fig. 33. 




THE VAULTING HORSE. 



37 



Fia. 36. 



/ 



\ 



I 




>^C 



28. The Maiden Jump. — Position as in twenty -fourth exercise. 

1. Grasp the pommels, spring up, let go the left hand, pass the right leg 

over the horse (Fig. 35) and light on the 
saddle. Eeturn in same manner to first 
position. 

29. The Roll QYex.— Position of attention 
close beside, but with the hack to the horse. 
1. Raise the arms behind and grasp the 
: pommels, fingers outward and thumbs in- 
^; ward, so as to place the elbows a little be- 
/ yond the centre of the saddle (Fig. 36-a), 
; lift the lower limbs with a strong impetus 
(&) ; carry the body over the head (c), relin- 
quish the grasp of the pommels when the 
feet are on a level with the head, and 
alight on the ground. Keep the legs 
In the early stages of practice this exercise 
should be performed slowly, gradually increasing the rapidity of the move- 
ments until it can be executed without pause. 

30. The Hugging Zvim^.— Position as in twenty-fourth exercise. 

1. Vault to the saddle as in the twenty- sixth 
exercise. 

2. Embrace the neck of the horse, and with a 
powerful effort throw the legs over so as to alight on 
the ground, with back to the front of the horse 
(Fig. 37). 

31. The Giant Leap; or Long "Elj.— Position as in 
the seventeenth exercise. The jumping board should be 
placed about 3 feet from the croup. 

1. Vault to the saddle as in the eighteenth exercise, 
and dismount. 

2. Place the board a little farther off, vault as be- 
fore, pitching on to the hands first, and bring the feet 
up on to the back of the horse in a stooping position, 

then raise and pitch forward with the hands on to the neck of the horse and 
go over as in leap-frog. 



straight, and the feet together. 



Fig. 37. 




38 



THE VAULTING H O B S E. 



Fie. 38. 




This must be persevered 
in until the gymnast is able 
to jump the whole length of 
the horse by resting the hands 
on it but once. (Fig. 38.) 
When commencing to practise 
this exercise it is better to use 
a shorter horse, and when 
able to go over that with ease 
try a longer one. A mattrass 
and an assistant will serve to guard against any mishap when practising this, 
a,s well as similar exercises. 

In all of the vaulting exercises, the learner must proceed with great 
caution at first ; he will find that sometimes his legs will come in contact 
with the horse with more violence than is agreeable ; but, as he gains dex- 
terity, and becomes familiar with the various movements, he will discover 
that in these, as in all gymnastic exercises, will-power and determination will 
wipe out difficulties which at first are discouraging. 

Whenever the spring has to be made for a vaulting movement, he must 
be sure to make sufficient spring to accomplish the end in view ; but, at the 
same time, he must be exceedingly careful not to apply more force to his 
spring than is actually necessary, because the excess of motion attained is 
hkely to lead to violent contact with the horse, and consequent contusions. 

These exercises are, therefore, especially valuable for training the judg- 
ment, and obtaining full control of the muscular powers. 



THE HOEIZOl^TAL BAR 



Taking all things into consideration this may be said to be the most use- 
ful of all apparatus in a gymnasium.. The variety of the feats that may bo 
performed upon it, and its adaptability to being raised or lowered, as the 
nature of the exercises or the age of the gymnast requires, makes it very at- 
tractive. The exercises on the horizontal bar bring into play nearly all the 
muscles of the body, but those most exercised and benefitted are the 
muscles of the arms, wrists, hands, chest, spine, loins, hips, legs, and ab- 
domen. 

The Horizontal or Stationary Bar also affords the means of practising 
and perfecting movements which are performed upon the swinging bar or 
trapeze. 

The position of the instructor should be on the right or left of the bar, 
facing the learner. 

The Horizontal Bar should be made of ash or hickory (specially selected 
for its straightness and freedom from knots) turned perfectly round. If 
Inches in diameter, except at the ends, where the shoulders or tenons, 
should be formed to shde up and down in the grooves between the stand- 
ards. The bar should be bored throughout its length, and a specially tem- 
pered steel rod or core, f of an Inch in diameter, inserted, terminating at each 
end in a brass cap, fitting the shoulder of the bar. The standards should be 
7 feet apart, and 7 feet high, formed in two pieces with a space or continu- 
ous groove, of If mches between them to receive the shoulders at the ends of 
the bar, and pierced with holes 2 inches apart, through which moveable 
wrought-iron pins are inserted for the bar to rest on. Ttiis the bar may be 
adjusted to any desired height. 

To ascertain the proper height for the bar, stand on tiptoes and reach up 
so as to just touch it with both hands, this height will enable the gymnnst to 
swing clear of the ground when hanging by the hands. 

1. Hanging by the Hands. — Position of attention facing the bar. 

1 . Spring from the ground and grasp the bar, the hands at the distancCj 

39 



40 THE HORIZONTAL BAR. 

the fingers and thumbs together {see " Technical Terms"), the arms straight, 
the trunk of the body upright, the legs straight and together, the feet to- 
gether, and the toes pointed to the ground. 

2. Eemain suspended as long as possible without over-fatigue. 

This simple exercise may be varied by hanging by each hand alternately, 
letting the other hang straight down by the side. This exercise may also be 
varied by raising the body and lowering it alternately with the right and 
left arm. 

2. To Swing By The Arms. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Swing the legs and body a little in front, then suddenly drop them, 
swing forward again and endeavor to gain sufficient impetus on the return 
oscillation to almost describe a semi-circle and carry the body back and 
beyond the bar ; similar motions given to the legs and body when dropping 
from behiud, on the return forward swing, will cause them to rise higher to 
the front than before, and these movements repeated will soon enable the 
learner to swing the body forward and backward above the level of the bar. 
When practising avoid jerking the legs. 

Do not be afraid of swinging too high, as many feats, to be hereafter men- 
tioned, depend greatly on the neatness of the swing, and the facility with 
which the requisite height is obtained. 

Swing backward and forward five or six times, and leave the bar in the 
forward swing when the feet have risen to a level with the face. Just be- 
fore releasing the hands from the bar, a slight forward impetus should be 
given, by a spring from the wrists — this will enable the learner to alight on 
the toes. 

This method of leaving the bar gives a neat finish to a great many of the 
succeeding exercises, and should, therefore, be practised until the learner 
can alight on his toes, in a graceful manner, at some distance forward from 
the bar. 

Another, and fully as graceful a method of leaving the bar, is to watch 
for the exact point of equipoise at the end of a backward swing ; and then, 
letting go of the bar, drop gracefully to the ground. 

The point of equipoise is obtained when the swing assumes a direction 
somewhat above the horizontal line of the bar. 

3. To Rise Above the Ear, the Right Leg Acting. — Position of attention 



THE HORIZONTAL BAR. 



41 



Fig. 1. 




Fig. 2. 





under the bar, the slioulders being at right angles 
to the bar. 

1. Spring from the ground and grasp the bar with 
both hands, right and left of the bar, the left in ad- 
vance, the fingers and thumb meeting. 

2. Bend the ai'ms, lift the lower limbs, separat- 
ing the feet as they rise, pass the left leg over the 
bar, resting on it under the knee, i;)ass the right 

leg over the left, the calf of the right overlying the in- 
step of the left, the head held back, the trunk sus- 
tained. 

3. Quit the grasp of the right hand, pass it under the 
bar to the opposite side next the body and grasp the 
bar, elevate the elbow and rest the fore-arm along the 
bar (Fig. 1) ; detach the right leg from the left, straighten 
it and rapidly swing it under the bar, with a momentum 
sufficient to enable the body to rise above it, press 
strongly with both hands, extend the arms, advance the 
left leg, and rest above the bar (Fig. 2). In descending 
re-bend the right arm, draw back the left leg, lower 
the body, and place the right leg over the left as in the 
ascent ; sustain the body, detach the legs from the bar, 
straighten the arms, and descend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated, with the 
left leg acting, the right hand in advance, 
the right leg resting on the bar. 

4. To Swing up Above the Bar Outside 
of the Arms- — Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Swing forward, and at the moment 
the body is extended horizontally and at 
arms length, throw the head back, and 

-v-j;::;, raise the left leg over the bar to the left of 

; the arms (Fig. 3, a), the momentum of the 
/ return swing aided by the arms, will bring 
/ the body above the bar in a sitting posi- 
tion. 



42 



IHE HORIZONTAL BAR. 




Repeat the exercise by throwing the right leg over the bar. 
This exercise should be practised until it can be done without the least 
pause in the movements. 

5. To Swing up Above the Bar Be- 
tween the Arms. — Position as in first 
exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Same as last exercise, except that 
the left leg is passed hetween the arms 
instead of outside, or on the one side of 
them. (Fig. 4.) 

Repeat with the right leg. 

6. To Turn Round the "BdiX.— Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise, the fingers and thumb meeting. 

2. Lift the lower hmbs in position to the front until 
the feet are as high as the bar, retaining the arms 
straight (Fig. 5) ; bend the arms, carry the feet and lower 
limbs over the bar, letting the hips pass up the side of the 
the bar and over it, while the head and shoulders 
ascend, the legs descending to the rear, until the whole 
body has cleared the bar, and rests in a perfectly vertical 
line on the hands, above the bar, the arms extended 
(Fig. 12). 

In descending, set the body free from the bar, straighten the arms, and 
descend yielding. 

7. To Turn Round the Bar, the Hands Reversed Position as in first 

exercise. 

1. As in precedmg exercise, but with the grasp of the hands re- 
versed. See " Technical Terms." 

2. As in preceding exercise, retaining the reversed grasp of the hands. 



Kg. 5. 




In descending, bring the elbows close in 
by the sides, tighten the grasp of the hands, 
slowly incline the head and shoulders to the 
front, elevate the lower limbs to the rear, sus- 
taining the body upon the fore-arms (Fig. 6); 
return over the bar, passing the body again 
under it, bring the lower limbs to the vertical 
line, and descend yielding. 



rig. 6. 




THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



43 




Rise to the Bar. — Position as in first exercise. 

^i^- ^' .1 . As in sixth exercise (Fig. 7). 

2. Bend the anns, raising the hody un- 
til the chin rises ahove the bar (Fig. 8 , 
sink again to the full extension of the arms 
quit the grasp, and descend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated with the 
lower limbs extended horizontally to the 
front. 

This exercise should be repeated three 
six, nine, twelve, or more times consecu- 
tively and without pause, according to the 
capacity of the learner. 

The same exercise may be repeated 
with the grasp reversed. 

9. To Rise Above the Bar by the Fore- 
arm, Right and Left. — Position as in first 
exercise. 

1. As in sixth exercise. 

2. Bend the arms until the chin rises above the bar, 
raise the right elbow and extend the fore-arm along the 
surface of the bar, the left elbow following on the left (Fig. 
9), press strongly with the hands, straighten the right 
arm to its full extension, the left following, and remain 
sustained by the hands, in the vertical lino, above the 
bar. 

In descending, let the left fore-arm return to the bar, 
the right following, pass the left fore-arm beneath the 
bar, the right following, quit the grasp, and descend 
yielding. 

10. To Rise Above the Bar by the Forearm, Both 
Hands at Once. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in preceding exercise. 

2. Bend the arms as in preceding exercise, raise both elbows and extend 
"both fore-arms along the surface of the bar, press strongly with the hands, 



Mg. 9. 




u 



THE KOEIZONT AL BAR. 




straighten botL arms' to their full extension, and rise above the bar as in 
preceding exercise, 

In descending, let both fore-arms slowly return to the bar, pass both 
arms beneath the bar, quit the grasp and descend yielding. 

11. To Rise Above the Bar, Right and Left. ^i? i^- 

— Position as in first exercise. 

1 . As in sixth exercise. 

2. Bend the arms until the chin rises above the 
bar, and raise the right elbow vertically above the 
bar, (Fig. 10), the left foDowing, straighten both 
arms to their full extension, and rise above the bar 
in the vertical line, as in preceding exercise. 

In descending, re-bend the left arm, the right 
following, let the left arm sink below the bar, the 
right following, straighten the arms, and descend yielding, 

This exercise to be repeated with the left hand 
leading. 

12. To Rise Above the Bar, Both. Hands at Once.— 

Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in sixth exercise. 

2. Bend the arms until the chin rises above the bar, 
and without pause press strongly upon the bar with 
both hands at once, continue the upward movement 

Fig. 12. ^^^ ^s® above it (Fig. 11), iramediately 
completing the extension of the arms, and 
sustain the body, on the hands, in the vertical line above the 
bar (Fig. 12). This series of movements to be executed without 
pause and at the same pace throughout. 

In descending, slowly re-bend the arms, sink beneath the 
bar, quit the grasp, and decend yielding. 

13. To Rise Above the Bar Backwards, Right and Left.— 

Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in sixth exercise, but the grasp of the right hand re- 
versed. 

2. Eaise the lower limbs by the front in position until the feet 
are as high as the bar, pass the feet under the bar, between the 





THE IIOBIZONTAL BAB. 



45 



liands, straighten the lower hmbs and let them descend by the rear (*Fig.l3), 
elevate the right side of the body, bringing it close up by the bar, and 
pressing strongly with the right hand until the fore-arm is straight above 
the bar, slackening but not quitting the grasp of the left band (Fig. 14) ; 
support the weight of the body entirely on the right arm, quit the grasp of 
the left hand and re-grasp the bar at the distance beyond the right, at the 
same time turning the breast fully round to the bar, and resting equally 
on both hands (Fig. 15) . 



Fig. 13. 



Fis. 14. 



Fig. 15. 






In descending, reverse the movements of the ascent^ or descend as in 
twelfth exercise. 

This exercise to be repeated, left and right. 

14. To Rise Above the Bar Backwards, Both Hands at Once. — Position 
as in first exercise. 

1. As in sixth exercise but the grasp of both hands reversed. 

2. As in preceding exercise to the elevation of the right fore-arm above 
the bar ; from this point instead of quitting tbe grasp of the left hand, 
elevate the left side and raise the fore-arm above the bar, press strongly 
from both hands and rise seated on the bar. 

In descending, reverse the movements of the ascent. 

15. The Leg Swing Backward. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Swing up on the bar as in fourth exercise. 

2. Grasp the bar with both hands, the fingers and thumbs meeting, 




46 THE HORIZONTAL BAR. 

throw the right leg as far behind as possible, slipping the left leg backward' 
and catching the bar by the bend of the knee, keep the arms straight, 
throw the head back, and with a good swing of the right leg, make one 
turn backward round the bar. 

The pupil will soon find that in this exercise the 
great difificulty to be avoided is making a half turn too 
much (See Fig, 36), a little practice, however, will en- 
able him to regulate the swing so as to come up on the 
bar and remain there, as shown in Fig. 3. 

When the pupil finds himself in the above awk- 
ward position, his only escape from the dilemma is to 
" swing up " on the bar and proceed as before. 

After the gymnast has learned to execute one turn 
on the bar with ease, the exercise should be practised, with the right and 
left leg alternately, until several revolutions can be executed without stop- 
pmg. 

16. The Leg Swing "Eoxwoxdi— Position as in first exercise. 

1. Swing up on the bar as in fourth exercise. 

2. Reverse the grasp of the hands, throw the whole weight of the body on. 
the arms, the body erect, and head well to the front, keep a firm grasp with 
the hands, throw the body well forward, keeping as far as possible from 
the bar, and make one turn round the bar. 

Practise with the right and left leg alternately, imtil several revolutions, 
can be executed without stopping. 

The pupil is liable to experience a difficulty exactly the reverse of the 
one referred to in the description of the last exercise, from want of confi- 
dence, when plunging forward, he is apt to keep too close to the bar and. 
thus prevent the body from getting sufficient swing or impetus to make a 
complete turn. This difficulty will soon be overcome with a little practice.. 

17. To Sit on the Bar.— Position as in first exercise. 

1. Else above the bar as in twelfth exercise (Fig. 12). 

2. Throw the left leg over the bar (Fig. 2), grasp the bar with the left: 
hand outside the left thigh, throw the right leg over the bar, grasp the^ 
bar with the right hand outside the right thigh, and assume an upright 
sitting position. For another method see fourteenth exercise. 

18. To Sit on the Bar, (Slow Movement). — Position as in first exercise^ 



THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



47 




1 . As in the first exercise. 

2. Throw the head and body back, bring the legs up 
under the bar between the arms, the head back far as 
possible, so that the face is parallel with the ground (Fig. 
17), shorten the arms with an effort, pulling the body up, 
so that the seat is a Uttle over the bar ; hend the legs 
backward over the bar as much as possible, and then 
lengthen the arms, bringing the body over the bar into 
an upright sitting position. 

The above exercise Is not very difficult. When the 
position, as shown in Fig. 17, is gained, the body is 
drawn up so that the centre of gravity is above the 

bar; when this is gained, the bending of the legs naturally brings the 

body up to a sitting position. 

19. To Extend the Legs from a Sitting Position. -r-PosiYiow as in first 
exercise. 

1. Sit on the bar as in last exercise. 

2. Grasp the bar with both hands, the fingers 
and thumb meeting, raise the legs up slowly until 
they are at right angles with the body, the arms 
being straightened as rigidly as possible, raising 
and sustaining the entire body above and over the 
bar (Fig. 18). 

20. To Lower the Body from a Sitting Posi- 
tion.— Pos^Y^o?^ as in first exercise. 

1. Sit on the bar as in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Seize the bar with both hands, reversed 
grasp ; keep the legs close together, lower the 
body as far as possible, and return again to a 
sitting position (Fig. 19). This requires consid- 
erable muscular effort. 

21. To Sit on the Bar and Swing Round 
Backwards. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Sit on the bar as in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Grasp the bar with both hands between the 
legs, the fingers and thumbs meeting, straighten 

the arms so that they will support the weight of the body, swing the body 




Fig. 19. 



(^ 




48 



THE HORIZONTAL BAR. 



backward with a strong impetus (Fig. 20), keeping a firm bold of the har with 
both hands, making a complete revolution round the bar and returning to 
an upright sitting position. As the body swings around, the bar will slip 
down under the bent knees, the seat on the bar being resumed at the com- 
pletion of th3 swing. 

Although similar to the leg swing, this exercise is much more difficult to 
execute. 

No person can be expected to succeed in this exer- 
cise upon a first trial, and most of those who attempt 
it lose the momentum of the swing when they get half 
round the bar. Some succeed in getting almost 
round, and, without having sufficient swing to regain a ; 
balance, fall forward again ; but repeated trial will' 
soon reward the pupil with succccs. 

This exercise may also be executed with the hands^| 
grasping the bar outside of the legs, instead of hetiveen 
them. 

22, To Sit on the Bar and Swing Round For- 
wards- — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Sit on the bar as in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Seize the bar with both hands, reversed grasp ; straighten the 




Fie 21. 



that they will support the whole weight of the body 
(see Fig. 21), raise the body as far upwards from 
the bar as possible, throw the chest out, head back, 
legs straight, hands firmly grasping the bar, swing 
the body forward with as much impetus as pos- 
sible, keeping the arms straight, and make a com- 
Fig. 22. plete turn forward around the bar. 
This is much more difficult than 
the backward swing. 

The remarks at the conclusion of 
the last exercise also apply to this. 

23. To Encircle the Bar. No. 1. — Position as in first exer- 
cise. 

1. As in first exercise, the fingers and thumb meeting 

2. Bend the arms, raising the body until the chin rises above the bar 
(Fig. 8), throw the head back, the legs forward, and at the same time upward 





THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



49 



Fig. 23. 




Mg. 24. 




aided by a simultaneous effort of the wrist (see 
Fig. 22). While the legs are passing over and 
around the bar, straighten the arms and come down on 
the other side in the position as shown in Fig. 12. 

This is a difQcult exercise, and will require consid- 
erable practice before it can be executed with success. 

24. To Encircle the Bar. No. 2.— Position as in 
first exercise. 

1. Spring from the ground and grasp the bar with 
both hands, the fingers and thumbs meeting, bend 
the arms and instantly shoot the lower limbs and the 
whole column of the body to the front, over the bar 
(Fig. 23), continue the circle, lowering the body by the 
rear, quit the grasp, and descend yielding. 

26. The Short Swing or Circle, Backwards.— -Posi- 

tion as in first exercise. 

1. Else above the bar as in exercise twelve, Fig. 12. 

2. Rest the body against the bar, at the pit of the 
stomach, move the legs to and fro, with a gentle but 
determined movement, throw the head back, the legs 
forward and upward, this movement greatly assisted 
by the wrists will (if properly done) give sufiicient 
impetus to enable the body to revolve around the bar 
and resume the original position as shown in Fig. 12. 

At first the pupil may be satisfied with executing 
one revolution, but a little practice will enable 
him to accomplish several in succession. 

The beginner will find this a rather dif- 
ficult exercise ; after throwing the body back, 
if he does not succeed in getting sufficient im- 
petus, he will come into a hanging position as 
shown in Fig. 22. 

After some little practice this exercise 
should be effected without allowing the body 
to touch the bar at all whilst going round ; but 
this will be found to be much more difficult, 



50 



THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



Fi- 



as the wrists will then have to do all the work (see Fig. 24). 

■ 26. The Short Swing or Circle, Forwards. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in seventh exercise. (In all forward movements the hands must 
be reversed.) 

2. Kise ahove the bar as in twelfth exercise (Fig. 12), but with the grasp 
reversed. 

3. Incline the body forward so that the knees will bo 
pressed firmly against the bar (Fig. 25), throw the body over 
forward, at the same time extending it straight out at arms' 
length, and with an effort of the arms as the body swings 
round come up again on the other side of the bar in an up- 
right position. The arms must be kept perfectly straight. 

Like the preceding exercise, this is difficult, and requires 
considerable practice before it can be executed with ease. 

When a single revolution has been properly accomplished, 
the pupil must persevere until he can execute several in suc- 
cession without pause between the movements. 




rig. 26. 



27. To Hang by the Legs. No 1, — Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise, hands a little wider apart. 

2. As in eighteenth exercise, to the bringing of the legs up under the 
bar between the arras (Fig. 17). 

3. Bend the knees over the bar with a firm grip, at the 
same time let go the hands (Fig. 26), and hang by the 
knees, the arms folded across the chest. 

After having remained in this position a short time, 
raise the body up, grasp the bar with both hands, remove 
the right leg from the bar (the left leg still remaining over 
the bar), carry the right leg over the instep of the left' 
foot, let go the hands, and hang by the left leg. Hang in 
this manner alternately by the right and the left legs. 

This exercise, if constantly practised, will be found to 
so materially strengthen the knee joint, that the benefit 
derived from it will be of great advantage in climbing. 

28. To Hang by the Legs. ITo. 2. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Sit on the bar as in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Grasp the bar on either side, fingers and thumb meeting, gi-adually 




THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



51 



slide back over the bar, leaning the body forward until the bar reaches the 
bend of the knees, bend the legs so as to catch the bar with a firm grasp at 
the knees, let the body fall backward, and when steady let go with th,e 
hands. 

This exercise should be practised on a low bar, so that when hanging by 
the legs, the hands will touch the ground. It should be practised until it 
can be executed in an easy manner, as it is very useful in shifting from 
one exercise to another. 



Fig. 27. 



29. To Hang by the Legs. No. 3. — Position as 
in first exercise. 

1. Sit on the bar as in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Get a steady balance on the bar, extend the 
arms horizontally in front (Fig. 27-a), swing back- 
ward so as to hang by the legs (6). 

This feat requires great strength in the legs, and 
confidence in the performer. It should never be at- 
tempted, even by a good gymnast, without the as- 
sistance of the Lungers, see page 19. 

30. To Swing by the Legs. — Position as in first 
exercise. 

1. Hang by the legs as in the preceding exercise, 
keeping the feet well towards the ground. 

2. Move the body to and fro to get into a good 
swing, the body being drawn up in the forward 
movement, and carried with the arms as far back 

as possible in the backward swing. 

This exercise should be practised until the pupil is able to swing the 
body either backward or forward on a level with the bar. At first the fric- 
tion will make the legs a little sore, but they will soon harden with practice. 
This exercise is of great benefit to the knees and legs. 

31. The Leg Swing Off, Backward. — Position as in the first exercise. 

1. As in the preceding exercises. 

2. Proceed with the Leg Swing as in the preceding exercise, and when 
sufficiently high in the backward swing, that is, with the body in a horizon- 
tal position face downward, unhitch the legs and ahght on the feet (Fig. 28). 





52 THE HORIZONTAL BAR. 

In practising this exercise it is of the great- 
est importance to learn tlie exact time to dis- ^' 

engage tlie legs from the bar. The tyro is apt 
to hold on too long, not allowing sufiicient swing 
to turn in order to alight on the feet. The first 
object is to swing high enough (Fig. 28), the 
next is to disengage the legs exactly as the body 

reaches the highest point on the backward swing and before it com- 
mences the return swing. K the learner leaves the bar on the return he 
will, as a matter of course, fall on his head or hands. If he unhitches his 
legs before swinging back sufficiently high, he will land on all-fom's. This, 
and all similar exercises, should be practised with the Lungers until the 
pupil acquires the knack of disengag.ug the legs at the precise time. This 
is not a very difflcult feat. 

32. The Half Fall Back and Swing OK— Position as in first exercise. 

1. Sit on the bar as in eighteenth exercise. 

2. As in twenty-ninth exercise, but, instead of hanging by the legs, 
swing up, as in Fig. 28, and alight on the feet as directed in the preceding 
exercise. 

When balancing on the bar, lean the body forwai-d as much as 
possible, in order to give it a greater distance to swing ; throw the body 
backward with as great impetus as possible, the momentum acquired by 
this effort, if done with sufficient force, will cause the body to swing round 
and rise up on the other side, as shown in Fig. 28. 

In the execution of this exercise the arms must be freely employed, the 
proper use of them is all-important in giving the necessary impetus to the 
body. The pupil must not be nervous about throwing the body from the 
bar with too great force, the greater the force used the better. 

33. The Fall Back, or Hock Swing. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Sit on the bar as in eighteenth exercise. 

2. As in twenty-ninth exercise up to the swing backwards ; from this 
point throw the body back with all the impetus and determination possible, 
keeping a firm grip on the bar with the knees, straighten the body before 
it reaches the point immediately under the bar, throw the arms back, the 
chest out ; this, if properly done, should give sufficient momentum to swing 
the body quite round the bar into a sitting position (see Fig. 29). 



THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



53 



This is similar to the preceding exercise, but, in mailing the swing 

backward, much more impetus is 
Flo- 29 
^' ' necessary in order to get the re- 

quired swing to make the complete 
revolution. It is a feat that re- 
quires confidence as well as con- 
tinued practice, and the pupil 
should bo able to execute the pre- 
ceding exercise with ease before 
attempting this one. When well 
done, however, this is one of the 
most showy feats in gymnastics. 
A balance may be attained between each revolution, or several turns 
may be made, '' in a swing," without any pause ; the former is more diffi- 
cult. 

34. To Pacs Through the hxias.— Position as in first exercise. 

J . As in first exercise. 

2. Bring the feet up between the hands without touching the bar, pass 




Fig. 30, 



the feet through between the 
hands and drop them until 
they nearly touch the ground 
(Fig. aO) ; return in the same 
way. Eepeat several times. 

35. To Hang' with the Arms 
Over the Bar. — Position as in 
first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Eaise the body up by an 
effort of the arms and chest 
(Fig. 31-a), let go the hands 
and thrust the arms over the 
bar, so as to remain suspended 
by the upper arms (&). To re- 
turn raise the body, draw the 

arms quickly back, catch the bar with the hands, 
position. 



Fig. 31. 





and drop to the first 



54 



THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



36. The Tilt Upon the Bar.— Position 
as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise, the fingers and 
thumb meeting. 

2. Swing forward (Fig. 32-a), raise 
the feet to the bar keeping the legs 
straight (6), with a strong effort of the 
arms, aided by a corresponding motion of 
the legs raise the body quickly on the 
bar (c). 

In descending, set the body free from 
the bar, and descend yielding. 





Fiff. 34. 



behind, 
catches 



37. The Arm 
Mill. — Position as 
in first exercise. 

1. Sit on the 
bar as in eight- 
eenth exercise. 

2. Straighten 
the body, put the 
arms straight 

sUp gradually down until the bar 
the arms (see Fig. 33), hold the arms 
firmly to the side, the hands well distended on 
the chest, the legs straight. Swing backward 
and forward until sufficient impetus is attained to 
make an entire revolution around the bar (Fig. 
34). 

Continue practising until several revolutions can be performed without 
pause. A showy feat when executed rapidly. This exercise may also be 
executed with a forward movement. 

38. The T Mill. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Sit on the bar as in eighteenth exercise. 

2. As in preceding exercise, but instead of bringing the arms down 
behind the bar, extend them at the sides, grasp the bar a little underneath 




THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



55 



with the thumb uppermost (Fig. 35), and in this position revolve round the bar. 
Fig. 35. The concluding re- Fi^. 3G. 

marks to the preceding 
exercises apply also to 
this. 

39. The Back MiU — 

Position as in first exer- 
cise. 

1. Sit on the bar as 
in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Reverse the grasp 
of the hands, jump for- 
ward, support the body 
of the back close to the 

position swing backward and revolve round the bar. 





with the arms, middle 



bar (Fig. 36j, in this 



Fig. 37. 



Fie. 38. 




40. The Qiiick Pull J^t^.— Position 
as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Throw the upper part of the 
body forward so as to distend the 
chest, with a strong effort of the 
arms raise the body at the same in- 
stant that it receives the backward 
impulse given to it by throwing for- 
ward the chest and shoulders 
(Fig. 37). ) [! 

This feat consists in raising the \'l 
body quickly from position (a) to 
position (6) without bending the arms, and without 
the aid of a swing. 

41. To Pass the Legs Between the hrca.%— Position 
as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 
2. Spring up, gathering the legs as much as possible, so as to pass them 
between the arms without touching the bar (Fig. 38), when the legs are 
fairly over let go the hands and alight on the ground. 




56 



THE HORIZONTAL B A E. 



42- To Jump Over the Bar Outside the Arms— Position as in first, exer- 



Fiff. 40. 



cise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. As in preceding exercise, except that 
the legs are spread so as to pass over the 
bar on each side of the arms instead of 
between them (Fig. 39). 

43. To Swing up to the Bar Without 
Bending the Arms. — Position as in first 
exercise. 

3 . As in first exercise. 
2. Swing forward as in Fig. 40 (a), and 

with the assistance of the momentum 
gained by the return swing, aided 
by a strong effort of the wrists, rise 
up to the bar without bending the 
arms (&). 

44- The Upstart- — Position as 
in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Swing the feet up to the 
bar, as in Fig. 41 , at the same 
time raising the body by bend- 
ing the arms ; shoot out the feet 
with a quick movement as far as 
possible, bring them down again 
with a snap, so that they de- """' — =_ 
scribe a semicircle, and as the body rises from the impetus 
of this movement assisted by the wrists, straighten the 
arms and rise erect above the bar, as in Fig. ]2. 

This showy exercise aifords the gymnast a means of 
rising above the bar with a quick movement, something 
hke a start, or snap. 

45. The Jerk TJp- — Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Draw the legs up, keeping the arms straight 



Fig. 39. 





**v^ 



Fisr. 41. 



(Fi^ 




THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



,57 




Fig. 43. 



42), throw the head hack a Uttle, jerk or carry the legs down suddenly, 
Fig. 42. the feet describing a semicircle, and by the 

strength of the wrists, without bending the 
arms, assisted by the momentum or send given to 
the body by the sudden motion of the legs, rise 
erect above the bar as in Fig. 12. 

This is somewhat like the preceding exercise, 
and is intended to accomplish the same purpose, 
it is, however, executed without a swing and without bending the arms. 

46. The Back Horizontal — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Pass through the arms as in exercise thirty-fom- (Fig. 30), but on car- 
rying the legs through raise them up 
straight with the body, then, keeping them 
in that position, lower them until they are 
horizontal with the body, as shown in Fig. 
43. Eemain in this position a short time. 
Eeturn through the arms. 

47- The Front Horizontal — Position as 
in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise, with the grasp of the hands reversed. 

2. Eaise the legs to the bar, lower them slowly into a horizontal line 

with the body (Fig. 44); remain in that 

^^S- 44. position as long as possible without strain- 

h ing. 

l^ );., If properly done, this is one of the most 

/ /f \ difficult of all the exercises. 

48. Skinning the C&t— Position as in 
first exercise. 

1. As in twenty-seventh exercise. 

2. Swing, and when the legs are ex- 
tended forward as in Fig. 45, pass them 
rapidly through the arms (&), and over the 

"bar (c). From this position the gymnast may sit on the bar and proceed 
with other exercises. 





49. The Giant Swing Forward.— -Posi^iow as in first exercise. 



58 



THE UOBI ZO'NTAL BAB. 



(Fig. 



12). Grasp the bar 
Fig. 45. 



^^>^ 






1. Rise above the bar as in twelfth exercise 
firmly, the fingers and thumbs togetlier. 

2. Move the legs backwards and for- 
wards a few times, leaning the body for- ^ 
ward a little with the same motion of the 
legs, fling the body upward and backwards 
at arms' length off the bar (Fig. 46-a) 
without losing the momentum of the 
swing; in descending slightly bend the body 
backward, when 
the body is under 
the bar, throw the 
legs suddenly for- 
ward and the head 
back (this move- 
ment will give an 
upward impetus) ; 
while going up 
draw the body a 
little closer by 

bending the arms (this shortens the distance from the bar 
and greatly assists the momentum already gained), come up over the bar 
with the arms still bent and chest thrown forward ; at this point the gym- 
nast will find that the hands are rather too far over the bar, the arms being 
bent, and the body nearly perpendicular. This is what may be called the 
''dead point" of the swing, and is a very awkward posture to be in ; but 
the secret of getting out of it, and regaining the full force of the swing is 
what is called " the shift," which is, to give the hands a sudden turn, and 
bring the palms on to the top of the bar, which gives power to straighten 
the arms again and start for another revolution. With practice the pupil 
will be able to get the necessary impetus without bending the arms (6). 
This is one of the most diflScult feats in gymnastics and requhcs great 
strength, energy and nerve. Before attempting it the pupil should be able 
to execute the " short swing " with ease. 

50. The Giant Swing Backward. — Position as in first exercise. 
1. Eisc above the bar as in twelfth exercise (Fig. ]2), seize the bar 
firmly with the reversed grasp. 




THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



59 



^K 







2. Incline forward so as to balance tbe body in a horizontal position, arms 
bent, body resting on tbe elbows, gradually raise tbe body to a vertical 
Fig.47. position over tbe bar, arms still bent 

(Fig. 47), at tbe moment tbe body begins 
to fall over tbe bar straigbten tbe arms quickly 
as in Fig. 48, and tbis movement will impart 
sufficient impetus to swing tbe body com- 
pletely round tbe bar. Wben tbe revolution 
has been nearly completed as tbe body is 
f ---^ "■:S,'''V--,' ) again rising to tbe vertical position shift tbe 

/ * ""--'i.. r^^^ hands round- a little, bend tbe arms as in Fig. 

' 111 ^t\ A ^^' ^®^^y ^^^ ^ second revolution. 

I I \s,.-;i^^ ^^* ^^® Backaway. — Position as in first 

V 11/ a2P\j0!' exercise. 

1. Swing as directed in tbe " Long Swing 
Porward" (Exercise Forty-ninth), -'and as soon as the body is horizontal 
Fig. 48. with tbe bars, that is, a little lower than 

the position shown in (b) Fig. 4f>, and 
rather above the horizontal, let go 
the hold of tbe hands, and alight on the 
feet (Fig. 49). 

This graceful feat makes a brilliant 
finish to the preceding exercise; it is not 
very difficult, but demands great con- 
fidence and care when practising it. 
The gymnast should not attempt to 
execute it without the assistance of 
the Lungers (see page 19). When 
practising tbe Fig. 49. 

Backaway the 
-■ ^* principal 
thing is to get t 
a good swing, but not too much or the feet may 
catch against the bar ; experience will teach just 
how much is necessary. It will be observed that 
when the hands are released the body seems to turn a complete somer- 
sault. 





60 



THE HORIZONTAL BAR. 




52. The Roll Off. — Position as in first exercise. 

1 . Sit on the bar as in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Balance the body perfectly straight, bring 
the arms up over the head, drop the body back- 
ward (Fig. 50), this movement gives suifi- 
cient impetus to cause the body to execute a 
sort of a backward somersault, and the gymnast 
to alight in safety on his feet. 

Like the preceding exercise this pretty feat 
requires confidence, and should not be practised without the Lungers. It 
is not difficult, and when once acquired the gymnast is astonished at its 
simplicity. The Eoll Off serves as a graceful finish for many of the bar 
exercises. 

These fifty- two exercises cover all the principal evolutions on the Hori- 
zontal Bar ; and, when fully mastered, the student may consider himself a 
proficient in this branch of gymnastic exercises. 

Some of the feats involve severe strain on the muscles, especially of the 
arms, but constant practice will enable the learner to reduce the strain in a 
great degree, by discovering the exact point at which the greatest exertion 
is needed, and thus concentrate his energies at the proper time. 

The concluding remarks on page 8 are especially applicable to the Hori- 
zontal Bar exercises, in which will-power will be found, not to replace 
muscular effort, but to so aid and regulate it as to lessen very greatly the 
severity of the strain requisite to success. 



VAULTING OYER THE HORIZONTAL BAR. 



Fig. 1. 



The beginner should practise upon different heights gradually ; begin- 
ning by placing the bar as low as the pit of the stomach, and not increasing 
the height until able to clear it with ease, and then only raising the bar two 
inches at a time until able to vault over it at the proper height. 
1. To Vault Over the Bar in Three Movements. — Fosition of 
attention, facing the bar, close to it. 

1 . Eaise the hands and grasp the bar ; the hands at the 
distance, (see Technical Terms) the fingers and thumbs meet- 
ing; lift the feet from the ground, press strongly with the 
hands, rising to the full extension of the arms and inclining the 
body shghtly forward during its ascent; the head erect, the 
column of the body upright, the legs straight and together, the 
feet together, the toes pointed to the ground (Fig. 1). 

2. Eaise the left leg, retaining its extension, and place the 
foot upon the bar, the hollow of the foot resting on it (Fig. 2). 

3. Eaise the right leg, and bring the right foot up to the 
left, clear the bar, the whole column of the 
body and the lower limbs in one horizontal line 
over it, the arms bent, the chest turned towards 
the bar (Fig. 3), quit the grasp, and descend yield- 
ing, facing the bar opposite the point grasped by 
the hands. 

This exercise to be repeated on the right. 

2. To Vault Over the Bar in Two Movements.— 
Position as in Fig. 3. 

first exercise. 

1. As in first 
exercise. 

2. Lean for- 
ward across the bar, press the lower hmbs to the front under the bar 
and as they return to the rear throw them to the left, clear the bar, as in 






61 



62 



VAULTING OVER THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



preceding exercise (Fig. 3), quit the grasp of the hands, and descend yield- 
ing, facing the bar. 

3. To Vault Over the Bar in One Movement.— Pos^Y^■ow as in first exercise. 

]. Raise both hands and grasp the bar as m first exercise, press from 
both hands and feet simultaneously, throw both feet with the lower limbs 
in position to the left, clear the bar, the trunk and lower limbs in the posi- 
tion of first exercise (Fig.3), quit the grasp, and descend yielding. 

During this exercise the body should make a complete turn, the feet 
describing a semicircle diagonally, the chest at each point of the ascent and 
descent being continually turned towards the bar, the position of the body on 
the completion of the descent being as distmctly facing the bar as it was 
preparatory to the ascent. 

This exercise to be repeated on the right. 



Pig. 4. 



Fig. 5. 



4. To Vault Over the Bar by the Back 

Lift. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Eaise both hands and grasp the bar, 
as in first exercise ; press strongly with 
the hands and feet simultaneously, and 
throw the body over the bar in a straight 
line vertically above the head, the arms 
bending during its ascent, the elbows held 
close in by the sides, the head and 
shoulders inclined to the front, the column 
of the body and the lower hmbs with the 
toes pointed upward in a vertical line 
when above the bar (Fig. 4) ; from this 
point throw the feet to the front, bending 
the back inwards, and raising the head as 
the feet approach the ground, quit the 
grasp (Fig. 5), and descend yielding, the 
back to the bar. 

5, To Vault Over the Bar by the Back Lift in Two Movements.— Post- 

tion as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise (Fig. 1) 

2. Press the lower limbs to the front, as in second exercise, and as they 
return to the rear, throw them straight above the head as in fourth exer- 




VAULTING OVEB THE HORIZONTAL BAB. 



63 




■cise (Fig. 4, the arms bending during the ascent; clear the bar and de- 
scend as in fourth exercise. 

6. To Vault the Bar Over One Hand.— 

Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in fourth exercise, but during the ele- 
vation of the lower limbs above the bar, instead 
of retaining the body between the hands, incline 
it over the right arm, the trunk and lower limbs 
turning towards the right ; complete the eleva- 
tion of the lower limbs until they rise straight 
above the bar over the grasp of the right hand, 
quit the grasp of the left, and pass it above the 
head; let the feet descend (Fig. 6), the right side 
next the bar, quit the grasp of the right hand, 
and descend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated over the left 
hand. 

° 7. To Vault tlie Bar with the Hands Qvlj .—Position as in first 
-exercise. 

1. Spring up and grasp the bar with both hands, as in first exercise, 
and in lifting the feet from the ground, press them to the front under the 
bar ; on their return oscillation, rapidly bend the arms, until the breast 
rises above the bar, press strongly with the hands, continue the upward 
movement of the body, and at the same time throw the lower limbs in 
position to the right, clear the bar, and descend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated on the left. 

8. To Vault the Bar with the Hands Only, by the Back Vdt.— Position 
as in first exercise. 

1. As in preceding exercise until the breast rises above the bar, at this 
point press the elbows close in by the sides, incline the head and shoulders 
to the front, elevate the lower limbs vertically above the head as in fourth 
exercise (Fig. 4), and descend yielding (Fig. 5). 

9. To Vault the Bar with Hands Only, Over One "K^iU^.— Position as 
in first exercise. 

1. As in preceding exercise, but during the elevation of the lower limbs 



64 



VAULTING OVER THE HORIZONTAL BAR. 



Fig. 7. 



above the bar, incline the body over the right arm, complete the elevatioiL 
of the lower limbs, and the descent as in sixth exercise (Fig. 6). 
This exercise to be repeated over the left hand. 

10. To Vault the Bar with One Hand.— 
Position of attention facing the line of the bar, 
the bar on the left. 

1. Grasp the bar strongly with the left hand, 
slightly bend the lower limbs, and on their re- 
turn extension, spring from the ground, incline 
the body strongly over the right arm, rapidly 
elevate the left hand above the head, and pass 
the lower limbs, straight and together, over the 
bar (Fig. 7), quit the grasp, and descend yielding, facing the bar. 

These vaulting exercises are mainly the application to the Horizontal 
Bar of some of the similar movements with the Vaulting Horse, previously 
described, and may profitably be practised at the same time, as they all 
unite agihty with precision and nerve. 




THE PA.EALLEL BAES. 



Fisr. 1. 



The exercises upon the Parallel Bars are all virtually executed by the 
trunk and upper limbs, and all of them tend to strengthen and develop the 
chest, muscles of the back, arms, shoulders and abdomen. This apparatus 
is not, however, so popular as the Horizontal Bar, as the free use of the legs 
enables the gymnast to perform a greater number of exercises upon the 
latter. Again, upon the single bar, the performer can change from one ex- 
ercise to another, executing an infinite variety of combinations without leav- 
ing the bar or touching the ground with the feet. On the other hand, there 
is no single exercise on the parallel bars which requires violent or sudden 
effort, and the exercises are not only numerous, but capable of much artistic 
effect; and requiring equally muscular power and dexterity of action. 

The Parallel Bars should be about 8 feet long, 19 inches apart inside, 4 
feet 8 inches from the ground or floor, 2i inches wide, and 3 inches deep, 

the upper surface rounded off 
to fit the hands. The height of 
the bars from the ground should 
be regulated according to the 
height of those for whose use 
they are intended. The above 

=» . will be suitable for the average 

height. 

1. The Single March For- 
wards. — Position of attention 
at the entrance to the bars. 
1. Eaise the hands and 
-^ place them on the bars, the 

thumbs inside, the fingers out- 
side, extended, and pointed downwards ; press from the hands until the 
arms are completely extended, the head upright, the eyes directed to the 
front, the chest advanced, the shoulders square to the front, the column of 

65 




66 



THE PARALLEL BARS. 




the body upright and firm, the lower hmbs straight and together, the 
feet together and pointed to the ground (Fig. 1). 

2. Eest on the left hand, advance the right 
sis inches beyond it along the bar, advance the 
left six inches beyond the right (Fig 2). Repeat. 
When this can be done with ease vary the exer 
else by turning the arms so as to walk with the 
fingers on the inside of the bars. Repeat. 

Every exercise is here given in its perfect form, 
but with beginners of ordinary physical capacity, 
they may and should be "approached through 
several stages of less difiSculty. Thus, in those 
from number one to number twelve, inclusive, 
the perfectly upright position of body, advanced 
breast, straight limbs, and erect head, may be 
departed from in the earher stages of practice. 
Also, a free lateral inchnation from hand to hand ; and, in the front and 
rear exercises, with both hands at once, a more energetic upright lift of 
lower limbs may be allowed. 

2. The Single March Backwards. 

— Position of attention, the back to 
the bars. i 

1. As in first exercise (Fig. 3). 

2. Rest on the left hand and ad- 
vance the right backwards, the left 
following on the left, as in first exer- 
cise. Repeat. 

3. The Double March, or Hop 
Forwards. — Position as in first exer- 
cise. 

1. As in first exercise, except that 
the lower limbs are bent at the knee 
at a right angle with the body, the 
toes pointed to the rear (Fig. 4). 

2. Spring or hop forward with both hands, the distance of the 
in first exercise, retaining the body and lower limbs in position. 





step 
The. 



THE PARALLEL BARS. 



67 



liop may be done by bending the arms a little, thereby sinking the shoulders, 
and straightening them again suddenly, or by raising the legs a little, 



Fig. 5. 




and dropping or jerking them down again directly. 
In either case it must be done so very slightly as to 
be scarcely preceptible. Eepeat. 

4. The Double March, or Hop Backwards. — Posi- 
tion as in second exercise. 

1. As in third exercise (Fig. 4). 

2. Spring backwards with both hands the dis- 
"• tance of the step in first exercise, retaining the body 

and lower limbs in position (Fig. 5), 

5. To Rise and Sink Between the Bars,— Posj- 
tion as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise, 
head a little advanced. 

2. Lower the body as 



Fig. 6. 






much as possible by an effort of the arms, raise /^"'\ 

it again by a similar effort (Fig. 6). 

Repeat the movement several times, both 
slowly and quickly. The exercise may be varied 

Fig. 7.J by marching forwards ^ 

\ j:^""^'., ,.--'""?^;- and backwards as in ex- 
ercises one and two. 

6. The Stooping Hop. 

— Position as in first 
exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. ' ' " " """'" 

2. As in preceding exercise. 

3. Spring or hop forward the distance of the 
step in first exercise, the body must not be 
raised high enough to permit the arms being 
straightened (Fig. 7). The legs should be kept 
perfectly straight, but the pupil may depart 

from this rigid rule in the earher sta,ges of practice, and to assist in ex- 
ecuting the exercise may draw the legs up a very little, and jerk them 
down again at the time the hop is made. This must, however, be dis- 





G8 



TEE PARALLEL BARS. 



Fig. 8. 




continued as soon as possible, as the spring ought to be made from 
the wrist and arms without any other assistance. This movement is also 
called " The Grasshopper." 

When this can be executed with easC; vary the exercise by performing it 
backwards. 

7. The Swin^, — Position as in first 
exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Keep the arms, body, and legs 
perfectly straight, swing the legs and 
body forward and backward suffi- 
ciently high to form a right angle with 
the arms (Fig. 8). 

The pupil must not attempt to 
swing too high at first, but gradually Increase the height by continued 
practice, and in doing this, the legs must be made to do their utmost, 
especially in the forward swing, when they should be brought up well in 
front, then carried down and -^^^ g 

up behind with increased im- 
petus, ^describing a semicircle. 
In either the forward or back- 
ward swing the feet must Toe ^ 

carried as high as the head, • ' ^ ^i^^ ••'" / - h 

and if higher, so much the 
better. 

When the exercise can be 
executed with freedom, the 
legs may be opened and struck 
together (Fig. 9). 

8. The Stooping Swing.— Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in fljst exercise. 

2. As in fifth exercise. 

3. Swing as high and as long as convenient, without fatigue (Fig. J 3). 




This should not be attempted until all the preceding exercises can be 
executed with ease. 

9- The Swing March and Jump. — As in first exercise. 
1. As in first exercise. 



THE PARALLEL BARS. 



69 



Fig. 10. 




Fourth. — Advance both arms 
Fiff. 11. 



2. First.— ^wmg high as in the seventh exercise, and when the legs are 
rising in the forward swing, advance, first the right arm, then the left. 
^ '" These movements 

must be made in the 
forward swing only. 
Second. — Swing and 
-v.-^.-;.-^ advance each arm al- 

//■ ternately, in the back- 

// ward swing only. 
y Third. — Advance 

the arms alternately 
one in the forward, 
and one in the back- 
ward swing. 
once, as in the third exercise, in the 
forward swing only 
(Fig. 11). 

Fifth. — Advance 
both arms at once, in 
the backward swing 
only. 

Sixth. — Advance 
both arms in the for- 
ward and backward 
swing. 

10. The Stooping 
orGrasshopper 
Spring Forward.— 

Position as in first 
exercise. 

1. As in first ex- 
ercise. 

2. Swing as in 
the seventh exer- 
cise, and in the 

_ backward swing 

(Fig. 12-a), bend the arms, thereby sinking the body before the legs have 







Kg. 12. 



^s 




70 



THE PARALLEL BARS. 



had time to drop, while the body is rising in fhe forward swing (&), carry np 
the legs well in front, and at the same time, with the aid of the swing and a 
sudden impulse given with the arms, leap forward as far as possible on the 
hands; on alighting on the bars, straighten the arms as in (Fig 11), and 
proceed with the backward swing before allowing the body to sink again. 
Care must be taken to preserve the balance of the body. In the early 
stages of practising, the learner should only leap short steps, increasing the 
length gradually until able to go the length of the bars in three springs. 

This is a difficult exercise to execute well, and requires great strength 
in the vsrists, arms and shoulders, as well as resolution and constant 
practice. 

11. The Grasshopper Spring Backward. — Position as in second exercise. 

1. As in second exercise. 

2. As in the preceding exercise, but reversing the movements, sink the 
body in the /on(;ar(^ swing, and on rising in the hackivard swing, spring 
backward, alighting on the bars with straightened arms, sink again and 



Fiff. 13. 




Fio:. 14. 



continue the exercise. 
This is more difficult 
than the preceding. 

12. To Rest and Swing 
Forward. — Position as 
in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Eest on the bars with the arms (Fig. 
10), and with the aid of a swing for- 
ward, raise the body on the hands at 
arms' length ; then, as the body drops 
in the return swing backward, catch the 
bars imder the arms again, and so on al- 
ternately. The exercise may be varied by 
raising the body at the backward swing. 

13. To Raise the Body Verticar.y.— 
Position as in first exercise. 

1 . As in first exercise. 

2. Bend the upper part of the body for- 
ward, the whole weight being on the wrists (Fig. 14), raise the legs up 




THE P AE ALL E L BARS. 



71 



^' 



slowly to position, remain a few seconds, and tlien return as slowly as 
possible to first position. It would be mucb less difQcult to siving up to the 
same position, but that would not exercise the muscles in the same degree. 

14. The Hand Balance. — Position as 
in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Swing from position [a], to position 
(&), head well back on the neck, to pre- 
vent the body going over too far (Fig. 75). 

In the earlier stages of practising the 
learner may bend the arms a little when 
the legs are rising above the head, this 
will assist in preserving the balance, and 
the arms can be straightened afterwards. 
This modification must, however, be 
gradually relinquished and the exercise 
executed without bending the arms at all. 




This exercise may be continued, with a forward march each time that 
Pig. ig, the body is in a vertical position. 

15. The Hand-Spring from the Bars. 
— Position as in second exercise. 

1. Swing up in a vertical position (Fig. 
16), and when the body is well over 
(almost half-way to the ground) spring 
with the hands from the bars, and alight 
on the feet. This exercise is much 
easier to execute with the arms bent a 
little. When practising this or the pre. 
ceding exercise, a mattrass and two as- 
sistants will serve to guard against any 
accident in a first attempt. This showy 
feat makes a good finish, when the 
gymnast reaches the ends of the bars, 
after executing such forward exercises 
as the ninth and tenth. 

16. The Shoulder ^Mxn.— Position as 
in first exercise. 




72 



T-lIE PARALLEL BARS. 



Fig. 17. 



1, Grasp the ends of the bars, sprmg up and rest the shoulders on them 
(Fig. 17-a), raise the body slowly to 
the vertical position (&), drop the 
body slowly to the horizontal position 
(c), remain a few seconds and return 
slowly to the first position. 

17. To Drop the Body Between the 
Bars. — Position of attention between the 
bars at the centre. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing to the rear, and when the 
lower limbs are horizontally above the^. 
bars, separate them and let them fall to 
rest on the bars, extending the arms well forward (Fig. 18-a), let the 



r-^---< 





body drop slowly between the bars, be- 
ing supported by the hands and feet 
only, into position (&), return to posi- 
tion (a) without bending the arms or 
legs, by pushing the arms forward and 
the legs backward, so as to straighten 
the body. A difficult exercise. 

18. La Planche. —Postiiow as in pre- 
ceding exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. "*-^-'....'--'' 

2. Lean gradually forward, bending the arms a little at the elbow, at the 
same time raising the body and legs Mg. 19. 

slowly in a horizontal position (Fig. 19). 
Eemam a short time and return to first 
position. 

The object of this exercise (which is 
a very difficult one) is to lean the upper 
part of the body sufficiently forward to 




counterbalance the lower part when raised, 
muscle. 



It requires great strength, of 



The following series of exercises upon the parallel bars are arranged pro- 



TB.E PARALLEL BARS. 



73 



gressively, and have the advantage of not being as difficult as many of 
those preceding them. 

^i^ 20. 19. To Clear the Bar by the Front.-PosiYiow 

qf attention between the bars at the centre. 

1. Eaise the hands and place them on the 
bars opposite each other, the thumbs inside, the 
fingers outside, extended and pointed down- 
wards. Press from the hands until the arms are 

""^"j^ completely extended, the legs together and 
straight, the toes pointed to the ground, the 
head erect, the trunk of the body upright, the 
chest advanced, the shoulders square to the 
front (Fig. 20). 

2. Swing the lower limbs, the toes pointed to 
* the front, until they rise above the level of the 




bars, and pass them over the right bar (Fig. 21) ; when clear of the bar, 
relax the extension of the limbs, press strongly from the left hand, spring 



Mg. 21. 



to the ground, and descend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated, clearing the left 
bar. 

In this, as well as any of the following exer- 
cises, the pupil must be careful never to separate 
the legs, they must be kept rigidly in position. 

20. To Clear the Bar by the "Rj&zir— Position 
as in nineteenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs to the front, as in 
preceding exercise, and on their return oscilla- 
tion to the rear incline the head and shoulders to the front, bending the 

arms, and elevate the lower limbs, the 
toes pointed to the rear, until they rise 
above the level of the bars, and pass them 
over the right bar; (at this point the lower 
limbs, trunk and head, are in the hori- 
zontal hne of the bars, Fig. 22), press 
strongly from the left hand, clear the right 
bar, spring to the ground, and descend yielding, facing the bars. 




C^ 




74 



THE PARALLEL BARS. 



Fig. 23. 



This exercise to be repeated, clearing the left bar. 

21. To Re3t on the Left Bar and Clear the Right, by the Front. 

Position as in nineteenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs to the from; mitU 
they rise above the level of the bars, pass them 
over and let them rest on the left bar, relaxing 
the extension (Fig. 23). 

3. Press strongly with the hands, elevate the 
lower limbs above the bar, sweep them across 
and clear both bars to the right front (Fig. 24), 
and descend yielding, facing the line of the bars. 

This exercise to be repeated, resting on the 
right bar, and clearing the left. 




Fig. 24. 



22. To Rest on the left Bar and Clear the Right, by the Rear.— 

Position as in nineteenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Slowly incline the head and shoulders to 
the front, bending the arms ; swing the lower 
limbs, the toes pointed to the rear, until they 
rise above the level of the bars, as in Fig. 22; at 
this point pass them over and let them rest on 
the left bar, relaxing the extension, the feet to- 
gether, the toes pointed downwards, as in Fig. 
35. 

3. Incline the head and shoulders to the 
front, bend the arms until the shoulders are as 
low as the bars, and at the same time elevate the lower limbs, sweep them 
across both bars to the left rear, and descend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated, resting on the right bar and clearing the 
left. 

23. To Rest on The Right Bar in Front and Clear it by the Rear.— 

Position as in nineteenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs to the front, until they rise above the level of 
the bars, pass them over and let them rest on the right bar, relaxing the 




THE PARALLEL BARS. 



75 




extension (Fig. 25) ; press strongly witli the hands, elevate the lower limb& 
above the bar, pass them between the bars, and let 
them swing to the rear, at the same time bending the 
arms until the shoulders are as low as the bars, 
and bringing the column of the body with the 
lower hmbs to the horizontal hue of the bars (Fig. 
26) ; clear the right bar by the rear and descend 
yielding, facing the bars. 

This exercise to be repeated on the left bar. 
The same exercise to be repeated with the fol- 
lowing variations: — 
1. Besting on the right bar in the front and clearing the left by the rear. 
Fig- 26. 2. Eesting on the left bar in the front 

and clearing the right by the rear. 

24. To Rest on Both Bars in Front, 
and Clear the Right by the Rear.— Post- 

tion as in nineteenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs, the toes 
pointed to the front, until they rise above the level of the bars ; at this 
point separate the lower limbs and let them rest on the bars (Fig. 27 )» 

Fig. 27. J raise them again above the bars, let them 

sweep to the rear, as in preceding exercise 
clear the right bar, and descend yielding. 

This exercise to be reneated, clearing the left 
bar. 

25. To Rest on the Left Bar in the Rear, and 
yD Clear it by the Front. — Position as in nine- 
teenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. As in twenty-second exercise to the rest 
on the bar ; incline the head and shoulders to the front, bend the arms 
until the shoulders are as low as the bars, the head between them, re-ele- 
vate the lower limbs and passing them between the bars, let them sweep 
to the front and clear the left bar, as in Fig. 24, and descend yielding. Dur- 
ing the last movement bring the head and shoulders to the vertical posi- 





76 



THE PARALLEL BARS. 




tion, gradually straighten the arms and retain them straight while the feet 
<3lear the bar. 

This exercise to he repeated on the right bar. 

The same exercise to be repeated with the following variations : — 

1. Resting on the left bar in the rear, and clearing the right in the front. 

2. Resting on the right bar in the rear, and clearing the left by the front. 

26. To Rest on Both Bars in the Rear, and Clear the Right Bar by the 
Front. — Position as in nineteenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Slowly incline the head and shoulders 
to the front, bending the arms, swing the 
lower limbs to the rear, until they rise above 
the level of the bars, fully separate them and 
let them rest on the bars (Fig. 28) ; incline 
the head and shoulders to the front, re-ele- 
vate the lower limbs, and as they sweep to 
the front, let them clear the right bar, and 
descend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated, clearing the left bar. 

27. To Pass by the Rear by the Single Swing. — Position as in nine- 
teenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs until the feet are as 
high as the face ; from this let them fall in a full 
sweep, and passing between the bars, rise to the 
rear until they are above the head; during the 
latter half of this oscillation, let the arms slowly 
bend until the shoulders are as low as the bars, the 
head between them (Fig. 29) ; slowly let the lower 
limbs with the entire column of the body in posi- 
tion incline, and gradually descend to the right 
over the arm (Fig. 30), imtil the feet come to the ^ 
ground, the bar on the right. 

This exercise to be repeated over the left bar. 

28. To Rest on the Left Bar in Front, and Clear It in the Rear by the 
Single Swing. — Position as in nineteenth exercise. 



Fig. 29 




THE PARALLEL BARS. 



77 




1. Asm nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing the lower Umbs to the front, to the level of the bars, pass them 
Fig. 30. ^1^-.^ *^^®^ ^^^ 1®^ them rest on the left bar, relaxing 

the extension (Fig. 31); again swing the lower 
limbs above the bar, pass them between the 
bars, and as in preceding exercise, incline the 
head and shoulders to the front, complete the 
rearward oscillation (Fig. 32), descending to 
the gromid over the left bar, the bar on the left. 
This exercise to be repeated over the right 
bar. 

The same exercise to be repeated with the 
following variations : 
1. Resting on the left bar in front and clearing the right in the rear. 

Fig. 32. 2. Resting on the right 

Fi?- 31. PJ bar in front and clearing 

the left in the rear. 

29. To Rest on Both Bars 
in Front, and Clear the Left 
Bar in the Rear by the 
Single Swing, — Position as 
in nineteenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth ex- 
ercise. 

2. Swing the lower 
limbs,the toes pointed to the front, until they rise above the level of the bars; 
at this point separate the lower Hmbs and let them rest on the bars (Fig. 33); 




Fiff. 33. 




press strongly with the hands, again swing the 
lower limbs above the bars, and as they sweep 
to the rear, inchne the head and shoulders to 
the front, bending the arms as in twenty- seventh 
exercise, complete the rearward oscillation (Fig. 
34), descending to the ground over the left bar. 

This exercise to be repeated clearing the 
right bar. 

30. To Rest on the Left Bar in the Rear by 



78 



THE PARALLEL BARS. 




the Single Swing and Clear the Right by the Rear.— Posi^iow as in nine- 
teenth exercise. 

1. As in nincteeatli exercise. 

2. As in twenty-seventh exercise until the elevation of the feet ahove 
the head ; at this point relax the extension of 
the legs, pass them over and let them rest on the 
left bar (Fig. 35) ; incline the head and shoul- 
ders to the front, bend the arms until the shoul- 
ders are as low as the bars, the head between 
them, and at the same time agaia elevate the 
lower limbs above the head (Fig. 36) ; pass them 
across the bars to the right, descending over 
the right bar. 

This exercise to be repeated resting on the 
right bar and clearing the left. 

31. To Pass by the Front by the Double 

Swing. — Position as in nineteenth exercise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs until the feet are as high as the face ; from this 
point let them descend, and, sweeping between the bars, ascend to the rear 
until they are vertically above the head, the arms remaining straight, the 
column of the body and the lower limbs slightly curved throughout their 
length (Fig. 37) ; from this point let the feet again descend, and passing be- 
tween the bars on the return oscillation, clear the right Fig. 35. 

bar in front, and descend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated over the left bar. 

32. To Rest on the Left Bar in Front and Clear it 
Tjy the Double Swing. — Position as in nineteenth exer- 
cise. 

1. As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs to the level of the bars, 
pass them over and let them rest on the left bar, re- 
laxing the extension as in Fig. 31 ; press strongly with the hands, again 
swing the lower limbs above the bar, pass them between the bars, and 
complete the double swing as in preceding exercise, dealing the left 
bar. 




THE PARALLEL BARS. 



79 



This exercise to be repeated on the right bar. 

The same exercise to be repeated with the following variations : — 

1. Resting on the left bar in front and clearing the right. 

2. Resting on the right bar in front and clearing the left. 

33. To Rest on Both Bars in Front and Clear the Left Bar by the Double 
Swing. — Position as in nineteenth exercise. 



Fis 



Fig. 37. ] . As in nineteenth exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs to the 
front, until they rise above the 
level of the bars ; separate them 
and let them rest, one on each bar, 
as in Fig. 33 ; press strongly with 
the hands, again swing the lower 
limbs above the bars, and com- 
plete the double swing as in 
thirty-first exercise, clearing the 
left bar. 

This exercise to be repeated 
clearing the right bar. 

34. The Single March and Rest 

Forwards.— Pos^i^ow as in first 
exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs and bring them to rest on the left bar, as in 
preceding exercises (Fig. 31) ; incline the head and shoulders to the front, 




Fig. 38. 




re-grasp the bars in advance of the thighs (Fig. 38), 
again swing the lower limbs until the feet are above the 
head, as in thirtieth exercise (Fig. 39) ; from this point 
let them slowly descend, and passing between the bars, 
sweep to the front, and again come to rest on the left 
bar. During the descent of the lower limbs, gradually 
straighten the arms, and retain them straight until the 
legs rest on the bar. Repeat. 

At the end of the bars on the last elevation of the feet 
above the head, incline the trunk and lower limbs over the 
left bar and descend yielding as in twenty-seventh exercise. 



THE PARALLEL BARS. 



Fiff. 39. 



This exercise to be repeated on the left bar. 
The same exercise to be repeated resting on the right 
and left bar alternately. 

35. The Single March and Rest Backwards.— Po5iiiow 

as in second exercise. 

1. As in second exercise. 

2. As in twenty-seventh exercise to the elevation of 
the feet above the head ; at this point relax the extension 
of the legs, pass them over and let them rest on the right 
bar ; pass both hands behind the thighs and re-grasp the 
bars (Fig. 40), re-elevate the lower limbs, pass them be- 
tween the bars, and again let them rise above the head 
(Fig. 41) and again come to the rest on the right bar. 
Repeat. 

At the end of the bars, on the last elevation of the 




Fiff. 41. 



feet above the head, pass over the right bar, as in preceding exercise. 

This exercise to be repeated 
on the left bar. 

The same exercise to be re- 
peated, resting on the right and 
left bar alternately. 

36. The Double March and 
Rest Forwards. — Position as in 
first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Swing the lower limbs, the 
toes pointed to the front, until 
they rise above the level of the 
bars; at this point separate the 
lower limbs and let them rest on 
the bars ; incline the head and shoulders to the front, re-grasp the bars in 
advance of the thighs (Fig. 42), raise the lower limbs until the feet are 
above the head, as in Fig. 43 ; let the lower hmbs descend and again come 
to the rest in front on both bars. Eepeat. 

At the end of the bars on the last elevation of the feet above the head, 
continue the movement of the lower limbs, carrying the feet completely over 




THE PARALLEL BARS. 



81 



the head to the front, press strongly with the hands and descend yielding, 
the back to the end of the bars. 



Fis. 43. 



Bg. 42. 





37. The Double March and Rest Backwards.— Posiiww as in second 
exercise. 

1. As in second exercise. 

2, As in twenty-seventh exercise to the elevation of the feet above the 



Fie:. 45. 



Bg. 44. 




head ; at this point slowly sep- 
arate the legs, relaxing the ex- 
tension, and let them fall to 
rest, one on each bar; pass both 
hands behind the thighs, and 
re-grasp the bars (Fig. 44) ; 
raise the lower limbs to the 
front, pass them between the 
bars, and let them rise until 
they are above the head (Fig. 
45) ; slowly separate the legs, 
relaxing the extension and 
again come to rest on the bars. 
Repeat. 



m 



THE PARALLEL BARS. 



Fig. 46. 




At the end of the bars, from the last rest, bring the lower 
Umbs again between the bars, and shoot them out to the 
rear in the line of the bars, pushing strongly with the hands. 

38. To March Above the Baxs.— Position as in jlrst 
exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. As in thirty-first exercise to the elevation of the feet 
above the head (Fig. 46) ; retain the arms straight, advance 
the right hand six inches beyond the left, advance the left 
hand six inches beyond the right. Repeat. 

At the end of the bars, carry the feet completely over 
the head to the ground, and descend yielding. 

This exercise to be repeated backwards. 

This exercise to be repeated with the arms bent, as in 
Fig, 45. 



The foregoing exercises include all the movements that are usually prac- 
tised upon the Parallel Bars ; numerous combinations of these movements 
will suggest themselves to the practised learner, the majority of which will 
be obvious enough, and still leave room for fertiht)' of invention and inge- 
nuity in performance. 



THE RIE"GS 



Exercise on the Eings is more particularly beneficial to the upper region 
■of the trunk, and to the arms, although in the various motions involved, 
there is scarcely a part of the body that is not more or less strengthened 
and benefited. 

These exercises demand more attention and presence of mind than those 
on the bars, but they habituate the gymnast to move securely and grace- 
fully, and furnish also a good remedy for dizziness. 

In all the evolutions the instructor should grasp the right wrist of the 
learner with one hand, and as soon as the feet have passed the rings, he 
should with the other govern the lower limbs in their descent. While the 
body is turning with the feet in the rings, the instructor should pass his left 
arm under the waist of the learner to limit the extent of its descent, always 
retaining his grasp of the wrist. In the turn with the hands (right and left) 
the instiuctor should grasp the right wrist of the learner, and gradually 
lower him until his entire weight is on the left, and vice versa, always 
grasping the hand that is to relinquish the hold of the ring. 

The position of the instructor should be on the right or left of the 
apparatus, facing the pupil. 

The rings should be 6 inches in diameter, and each suspended by a 
rope sufQciently long to enable the gymnast to grasp them easUy with his 
arms upstretched, and the ropes about 18 inches apart. 

1. To Turn in the Socket. — Position of attention, beticeen the rings. 

I. Eaise both hands and grasp the rings, one in each hand, lower the 
body to the reach of the hands and pass both feet to the front, the legs 
together and straight, the feet together, and toes pointed to the Iront 
•<Fig. I). 

83 



84 



THE RINGS. 



2. Lift both feet from the ground, and pass them between the rings, the 
arms and legs straight throughout (Fig. 2) , slowly descend to the ground,, 
completing the circle (Fig. 3), and relinquish the grasp. 



Fig. 1. 



Fiff. 3. 




Fiff 2. 





The foregoing is a description of the exercise as it should be executed in 
its perfect form ; but, in the earher stages of practice the pupil may begin 
not only while standing upright and with the arms bent, but a spring may 
be taken with the feet to assist the elevation of the lower limbs, and the 
knees may remain bent .both in the ascent and descent, to front and rear ; 
these modifications of the exercise being gradually relinquished as the body 
acquires strength, until it can be executed in perfect form. 

This exercise is also called ''The Single Circle." 

2. The Double Circle. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. As in first exercise to the completion of the single circle, but instead of 
relinquishing the grasp of the hands, return between the rings and come to 
the first position, retaining the arms and legs straight throughout. Bend the 
arms, replace the feet upon the ground under the rings, and quit the grasp. ' 

The remarks at the close of the preceding exercise, apply to this also. 

3. To Turn with the Feet in the Rings. — Position as in first exercise. 
1. As in first exercise. 



TEE RINGS. 



85 



2. As in first exercise to the half circle (the feet between the rin^ 



Fig. 4 



separate the feet right and left and insert each in its 
respective ring. 

3. Resume with the trunk of the body the action of 
the circle, slowly separating the knees, lowering and 
arching the back and raising the head (Fig. 4). 

4. Ee-raise the trunk to its position at the half- 
circle, remove the feet from the rings, straighten the 
legs, point the toes upwards and let them gradually 
descend to the front, the arms straight, and come to 
the first position. 

The third part of this exercise may be modified the 
.same as directed in the concluding remarks to the first exercise, but its 
distinguishing feature, that of turning the body while the feet remain in the 
rings, must always be executed slowly, the back sinking gradually, with 
every joint of the spine sharing equally in the depression, and the chest 
^adually rounding and expanding under the same influence. 




4. To 

1. As 
Fig. 



Turn on One Hand Eight and Left.- 
in first exercise. 



-Position as in first exercise. 




2. As in first exercise to the completion of the single 
circle, but instead of relinquishing the grasp with both 
hands, retain the grasp of the right, passing the left arm 
down by the side, and folding the lower limbs under the 
body. 

3. Make a complete turn laterally from left to right, 
re-grasp the ring with the left hand (Fig. 5), and extend 
the lower limbs to the front as in first position. 

4. Re-pass the feet between the rings, repeat the turn 
from right to left, relinquishing the right hand and retain- 
ing the grasp with the left, re-grasp the ring with the 
right, extend the lower limbs to the front and come to 
the position. 



5. To Extend the Arms Right and Left.- 
1. As ia first exercise. 



-Position as in first exercise. 



86 



THE RINGS, 



2. Bend the arms, raising the lower limbs in position ; sustain the bodjr 
on the left hand (retaining it close by the side), Fig. 6. 

extend the right arm holding the ring at the full 
length of the arm (Fig. 6), pause, and return the 
right hand to the side ; repeat the extension with 
the left arm, pause, return it to the side, lower the 
body and come to the position. 

6, To Rise Above the Rings Right and Left.— 

Tosition as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Bend the arms, raising the lower limbs in position, press strongly on. 




Fig. 7. 



Fis. 



the ring with the right palm, raising the 
fore-arm vertically above the ring (Fig. 7), 
repeat the movement on the left, press 
strongly with both hands, straighten the 
arms completely above the rings and 
pause (Fig. 8) ; the chest fully advanced, 
the head held back, the chin elevated, the 
legs straight and together, the toes pointed 
to the ground. 

In descending, re-bend the right arm, 
the left following, re-pass the right below 
the ring, the left following, lower the body 
and come to position. 

This exercise to be repeated with the 
left hand leading. 

This exercise is sometimes called '• Getting Into the Eings." 

In the position indicated in Fig. 8 the beginner must be very careful not 
to allow the arms to spread open, because the body will then drop; if this 
should happen with the knuckles upivards, the weight of the body would 
cause a severe strain on the shoulder joints, with the possibility even of 
dislocation, by being suddenly caught in the position indicated in Fig. 19. 

7. To Rise Above the Rings Both Hands at Once.— Position as in first 
exercise. 

1 As in first exercise. 




THE RINGS. 



87 



2. Grasp 
Fig. 




the rings, instantly press strongly on the rings with both 
9. Mg. 10. hands, and raise both arms vertically 

above the rings (Fig. 9), and rise above 
the rings to the full extension of the 
arms (Fig. 10) ; the transition from 
the bend to the extended position of 
the arms taking place without pause. 

In descending, bend both arms at 
once, pass them below the rings, lower 
the body and come to the position. 

Attention is called to the remarks 
at the close of the previous exercise. 

8. To Rise Above the Rings Back- 
wards, Right and Left.— Position as is 
first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. As in first exercise to the completion of the single circle ; elevate the 
Fig. 11. Fig. 12. right side, lean slightly forward, press 

strongly with the right hand, and raise the 
right fore-arm vertically above the ring (Fig. 
11), repeat the movement on the left, press 
strongly with both hands, and rise above 
the rings as in seventh exercise (Fig. 12). 

Descend as in seventh exercise. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left 
hand leading. 

It would be well to bear in mind the re- 
marks at the close of sixth exercise. 

9. To Rise Above the Rings Backwards, 
Both Hands at Once — Position as in first 
exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Lift both feet from the ground and pass them between the rings, and 
at the same time rapidly bend the arms, raising the body between the rings 
until the hands are close at the side, instantly press with both hands and 
raise the fore-arms vertically above the rings (Fig. 13), straighten the arms. 




TBE RINGS, 



continue the movement of the circle with the lower limbs, and let the body- 
rise between the rings in the position of Fig. 13. Fig. 14. 



seventh exercise (Fig, 14). 
at end of sixth exercise. 



See remarks 






10. To Start Up Above the Rings. - 

Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise, but the toes 
pointing downwards. 

2. Eaise the lower limbs as in Fig. 15, drop them again with 
a sudden start, and at the same time bend the arms and raise 
the body quickly above the rings (Fig. 14). 

Fig. 15. 

11. To Form the Straight Line 
Backwards. — Position as in first ex- 
ercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. As In first exercise to the half circle (Fig. 
2), but instead of lowering the feet to the ground, 
extend them to the rear until the lower limbs and 
trunk form one perfect horizontal line (Fig. 16). 

Eelax the extension of the lower limbs, let 
the feet descend to the rear, and come to the position. 

12. To Form the Straight Line For- Fig. 16. 
wards. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Eaise both hands and grasp the 
rings ; raise the lower limbs to the front 
in position, the toes pointed to the front, 
and allowing the head and shoulders to 
fall to the rear, the arms slightly bent, 
until the lower limbs and trunk form one 
perfect horizontal line (Fig. 17). 

Eelax the extension, let the feet de- 
scend to the ground and come to the position. 

13. To Stand Above the Rings. — Position as in first exercise. 
1. Eise above the rings as in seventh exercise (Figs. 9 and 10). 




THE BIN as. 



89 



Incline the head and shoulders to the front, bending 
Fig. 17. pressing them close in 

by the sides, and at the 
same time raise the lower 
limbs in position by the 
rear until they are above 
the head, forming with 
the trunk of the body 
one perfect vertical line 
between the rings (Fig. 18). 

Relax the extension, bring the lower limbs down by the 
front to the ground and come to the position. 



14. To Stand Below the Rings. — Position as in first exercise. 
1. Else above the rings as in seventh exercise (Figs, 9 and TO). 



the arms and 
Fig. 18. 





Pig. 19. 2. Slowly let the whole body descend in 

position between the rings, at the same time 
extending the arms perfectly straight right 
and left, strongly pressing downwards with 
the palms, imtil the arms are at right angles 
with the body (Fig. 19) ; relax the extension 
and slowly lower the feet to the ground, and 
come to the position. 

This is one of pijr. 20. 

the most difficult, 
and the same 
time dangerous, 
exercises with the 
rings; a little 
carelessness 
might easily re- ~'«,^ 

suit in a dislocation of the arms or shoulders. 
15. To Swing in the Rings.— PosiYiow as in 

first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise, but the toes pointing downward. 

2. When th« body swings forward raise the legs up without bending 
them (Fig. 20), and at the instant the body commences to swing back 





90 



THE RINGS. 





extend it forcibly out to increase the impetus of the swing. After the hocly 

has passed the centre, on the return backward swing raise yig. 21. 

it slightly with the arms (Fig. 21) ; this will give momentum 

to the return forward swing. Do not kick with the legs, 

but keep them straight. 

Pie. 22. 

16. The Simplicity Swing. — Position as 

in preceding exercise. 

1. Swing as directed in the preceding 
exercise and when the body is sufficiently 
high, bring the legs up between the arms, 
keeping them perfectly straight (Fig. 22), and return 
them to their original position at the other end of the 
swing. This motion if done at the right time will in- 
crease the impetus of the swing. 

17. To Rise Above the Rings at the Backward Swrn^.—Position as in 
first exercise. 

1 . Swing up well in front (Fig. 23), and on the return backward swing, 
rise above the rings (&) by either of the methods described in the seventh, 
ninth, or tenth exercises. Care Fig- 23. 

must be taken to keep the 
rings close to the body. 

18. To Rise Above the Rings 
at the Forward Swing.— P05/- 
tion as in first exercise. 

1. Swing well forward (Fig. 

24-a), and after passing the 

centre, rise above the rings as 

in the preceding exercise (&), 

when the body has reached "-.^ 

tht point a, on the return ^*'-»^ 

backward swing, extend the "'°"*> — __ 

arms for the return forward. 

Keep the rings close to the body. 

This and the preceding exercise may be varied as follows : 
First. — ^Allow the body to sink in the forward swing, and raise 

backward. 




it in the 



THE EINGS. 



91 




^^ 



^flS 




92 



THE BINGS. 



Second. — Sink the body iu the backward swing, and raise it in tbe 
forward. 

Tliird. — Lower the body in the forward swing, and raise it again imme- 
diately, before the turn. 

Fourth. — Repeat the above iu the backward swing only. 

Fiftli. — Execute the fall and rise quickly, both in the backward and 
forward swing. 




""^^^^^ 



19. To Jump to the Ground on the Backward Swing. 

1. When in a good Fig. 25. 

backward swing, raise 
the body with the arms 
(Fig. 25), let go the 
grasp of the rings and 
drop to the ground on 
the toes. 

20. To Turn in the 
Socket While Swinging 
Backward. — Position as 
in first exercise. 

1. Swing well forward as in Fig. 26-a, and when at the centre on the 
return backward, raise the legs (b), and turn out as in c, ready for the 
return forward. (See exercises first and second.) When making the turn 
(c) the arms should be spread apart. 

21. The Eeverse Turn Forward- — Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exei'cise (Fig. 27 -a). 

2. Swing backward and with a quick spreading apart of the arms throw 
forward the body into position b, remain in this position while on the 
return swing; and when well forward, raise the body and throw it over as 
in c, in time for the return swing backward. 

Vary this and the preceding exercise as follows : 

First. — Execute the Socket Turn (twentieth exercise) at every backward 

SWIQg. 

Second. — Perform the same exercise at the end of the forward swing. 
TJiird. — Repeat the above exercises alternately on the backward and 
forward swing. 



THE RINGS. 



93 



Fourth. — Execute the Ecverse Turn in the forward swmg, bringing the 
body over when returning. 

Fifth. — Perform the same exercise in the backward swing. 

Sixth. — Eepeat the two preceding exercises alternately on the forward 
and backward swing. 

Seventh. — Execute the Eevcrse Turn in the backward swing without 
carrying the legs oyer, returning to the first position at the end of the 
forward swing. 

Eighth. — Execute the preceding exercise on i\\Q forward swing. 

Ninth. — ^Execute the twentieth and twenty-first exercises alternately; 
the former in the forward swing, and the latter in tlje backward swing. 

G-reat care must be observed to give the motion to the body at the right 
time, or a check in the swing wiU be the consequence, and the beauty of 
the performance will be greatly marred. 



22. To Jump to the Ground on the Forward Swing. 




1. Swing forward (Fig. 28-a), 
at almost the extreme point of 
the forward swing, raise the legs 
quickly outside of the arms (Z>), 
let go the hands and ahght on 
the ground (c). 

The preparatory raising of 
the legs and final drop must be 
just before the extreme point is 
reached, because the body re- 
quires some slight remaining im- 
petus to prevent falling back- 
wards. 



COMBINATIONS. 



"When sufficient skill has been attamed in the foregoing exercises, two, 
three, or more of them may be combined and executed without pause. The 
following are some of the combinations that may be made, and others can 
Ibe devised at discretion. 



9d THE RINGS 



COAIBIlfATIOXS OF TWO EXERCISES 

Nos 2 and 3 The double circle — to turn with the feet in the rings 

Nos. 2 and 4. The double circle — to turn on one hand right and left. 

Nos, 2 and 6 or 8. The double circle — to rise above the rings backwards. 

Nos. 2 and 8. The double circle — to rise above the rings. 

Nos. 2 and 11. The double circle — to form the straight line backwards. 

COMBINATIONS OP THREE EXERCISES. 

Nos. 2; 4 and 5. The double circle — to turn on one hand right and left — to 

extend the arms right and left. 
Nos. 2, 7 and 4. The double circle — to rise above the rings both hands at 

once — to turn on one hand right and left. 
Nos. 2, 8 and 7. The double circle — to rise above the rings backwards — 

to rise above the rings both hands at once. 
Nos. 2, 7 and 13. The double circle — to rise above the rings both hands a 

once — to stand above the rings. 

COMBINATIONS OE POUR EXERCISES. 

Nos. 2, 7, 4 and 11. The double circle — to rise above the rings both hands 
at once — to turn on one hand right and left — ^to. 
form the straight line backwards. 
Nos. 2, 7, 13 and 3. The double circle — to rise above the rings both hands 
at once — ^to stand above the rings — to turn with 
the feet in the rings. 
Nos. 7, 13, 2 and 11. To rise above the rings both hands at once — to stand 
above the rings — the double circle — to iorm the 
straight line backwards. 

COMBINATIONS OF EI^E EXERCISES. 

Nos. 2, 7, 4; 11 and 13. The double circle — to rise above the rings both. 

hands at once — to turn on one hand right and 
left — to form the straight line backwards — to 
stand above the rings. 

Nos. 7, 13, 3; 5 and 12. To rise above the rings both hands at once — to 

stand above the rings — to turn with the feet in 
the rings — to extend the arms right and left — 
to form the straight line forwards. 



THE EOW OF RI]^GS. 



The single exercise on this apparatus is a very simple one, and if the 
proper elevation of the rings from the floor be preserved, it may be safely 
practised without supervision. It has a special object, viz., the equaliza- 
tion in strength and development of the two sides of the upper half of the 
body, and of the arms; for the weaker side will actually do more, being the 
weaker, and consequently it wUl in time overtake and rank with its fellow 
in development and capacity. 

The row of rings should consist of not Jess than five or six rings similar 
to those already described, and there may with advantage be a greater 

number, if the length of the gymnasium will 
admit of it. They should be suspended at a 
height of not less than 6 feet 3 inches from 
the floor, and at equal distances apart, the 
distances should not be less than 8 feet or 
more than 10 feet, and the point to which 




the ropes are hung should 
never exceed 20 feet 
above the floor. 



Fiff. 3. 



The Swing. — Position 

of attention, facing the 

first ring, the back to 

the row. 

1. Raise the left hand 

and grasp the ring (Fig. 

1), advance with short 
and rapid steps and springing from the ground at the 
end of the run, from the left foot, turn quickly to the 
right, bending the lower limbs at the knees and point- 
ing the toes to the rear, the head erect, the breast 
advanced (Fig. 2) ; on approaching the second ring extend the right hand 

95 




96 THE BOW OF RINGS. 

and grasp it, and wMle retaining it lightly in the hand, return to the 
farthest point of the backward oscillation on the ring grasped by the left 
(Fig. 3) ; at this point quit the grasp of the left, withdrawing the hand 
lightly and leaving the ring motionless, turn to the right and bring the left 
hand in a full sweep round by the thigh, the arm quite straight and fingers 
pointed downwards, describing a half circle in the sweep, eztend it to the 
front, and grasp the next ring. Repeat. On grasping the last ring turn 
quickly round, facing the row, and descend yielding. 



Tlie exercises on the Eings will be found exceedingly difficult at first ; 
they all require great strength in the wrists especially, and in the muscles of 
the arm generally. The rings are perfectly free to move in every direction, 
and consequently afford an entirely unreliable support; they must be kept 
in their proper position by muscular effort alone, and the beginner will find 
them twist from his grasp and display a tendency to go in every direction 
except the one he desires. Consequently, when the movements on the rings 
have been fairly mastered, the development of muscular power and the 
perfection of equihbrium which the learner has thereby acquired, will be 
found of immense service in performing difficult feats on the swinging 
Trapeze. The learner must always bear in mind that nothing can be 
accomplished without muscle, nerve, will-power and persistent practice ; 
these alone will enable him to discover the exact moment when the energies 
must be concentrated, as it were, to render the muscles entirely obedient to 
the will. 



THE TRAPEZE. 



The Trapeze is practically a combination of the horizontal bar with the 
riQgs, and unites the firm grasp of the bar with the graceful motions of the 
rings. 

This apparatus ranks in importance with the horizontal bars on account 
of the power which the exercises possess of increasing the capabilities of the 
trunk and upper hmbs. The movements are also of an artistic character 
and very effective, and, like those on the rings, require great nerve and 
presence of mind in their execution. 

The exercises given for the trapeze are necessarily very similar to those 
upon the horizontal bar, in some instances identical, and necessarily so 
from the fact that the trapeze is a bar, but free to swing instead of 
stationary. 

Some exercises, prominently those where wrist-power is required, are 
more difficult of execution on the trapeze than on the bar, because in the 
latter case the rigidity of the bar serves as a purchase for the wrist which is 
entirely absent in the case of the movable trapeze-bar. On the other hand 
some of the swing exercises are easier on the trapeze than on the horizontal 
bar, the oscillation of the trapeze materially aiding the swing motion of 
the body. 

The learner will find that the proficiency he has gamed on the horizontal 
bar and with the rings will materially aid him in his evolutions on the 
trapeze. 

The best grasp for the instructor, in directing the evolutions on the 
trapeze, is a firm hold of the wrist with the left hand, the right firmly 
grasping the ankle. 

The position of the instructor should be on the right or left of the 
trapeze, facing the learner. 

The bar of the trapeze should be 2 feet 4 inches in length, not over li 
inch in diameter, with a steel core in the centre; the ropes should be 
neatly sphced into brass eyes, and be suspended from a height of 18 to 24 
feet, and the bar hanging at a suitable height to allow the feet to clear the 

97 



98 



THE TRAPEZE. 



ground. Beginners may practise on a trapeze suspended at a height of 
4 feet 6 inches from the erround. 



Position of attention, the trapeze in 

riff. 1. 



1. To Rise by the Single Rope. 

profile on tlie left. 

1. Eaise the right hand and grasp the rope a 
hand's-hreadth above the bar, the left following in 
the interspace (Fig. 1). 

2. Lift both feet from the ground, the legs straight 
and together, the toes pointed to the front, and pass 
them over the bar, elevating the body until the hip 
rests on its surface (Fig. 2) ; press downwards with 
the hands and rise seated on the bar, retaining the 
grasp of the rope (Fig. 3). 

In descending lean slowly backwards and side- 
wards, bringing the hip again on the bar, remove the 
lower limbs from it, and come to the first position. 

This exercise to be repeated with the trapeze on 
the right, the left hand uppermost. 

All these exercises may be practised by beginners, 
the form of each, given in the text, being the perfect 
one, but capable of modification for initiatory practice. 
Thus in introducing a beginner to the present exer- 
cise, instead of grasping the rope a hand's-breadth 
above the bar, he may grasp it a foot or even more 
above the bar, the left hand following close under the 
right, and then day by day the space between the 
hands and the bar should be reduced, until these are 
placed as directed in the text. 

2. To Rise by Both Ropes. — Position of attention, 
facing the trapeze. 

1. Eaise both hands and grasp the ropes, one in 
each hand, close to the bar. 

2. Lift both feet from the ground, and pass them 
under the bar between the hands, at the same time ' 
allowing the head and shoulders to fall backwards and straightening the 
arms; and by a continuous movement bend the back inwards, and extend 




p^j 



THE TRAPEZE. 



99^ 




the lower limbs upwards (Fig. 4), bending the arms until the hips are as 
high as the barj slowly let the feet descend to the front, and at 
the same time and at the same pace let the trunk, shoulderS; 
and head ascend, and come to the seat on the bar, retaining 
the grasp. During this last movement let the chin be elevated, 
the shoulders pressed back, the breast advanced square to the 
front. 

In descending, lower the body from the bar backwards, let 
the lower limbs fall to the rear, repass the feet under the bar, 
and come to the first position. 

The remarks at the conclusion of the preceding exercise 
may also be literally followed in this one, and are generally ap- 
plicable to all the exercises. 

3. To Rise by the Back IMt.— Position as in second exercise. 
1. Eaise the right hand to the reach and grasp the rope, raise the left 
hand and grasp the bar at its centre. 

2. Lift both feet from the ground (the toes pointed down- 
wards), by the flexion of the right arm and the extension of 
the left, and rise until the face is as high as the right hand, 
the left arm straight above the hand grasping the bar (Fig. 
5) ; turn to the right, the back to the bar, and sit in the 
space between the left hand and the right rope (Fig. 6), 
retaining the grasp. 

In descending, raise the body and return the face to the 
bar, lower the body slowly to the ground. 

This exercise to be repeated with Mg. 6. 

the left hand on the rope. 

The initiatory practice may be 
accompanied by a spring from the 
ground, which should be gradually 
lessened until the effort falls entirely upon the 
upper limbs, as indicated in the text. 




4, To Rise by the Front JM^.— Position as 
second exercise. 

1. As in third exercise. 



%n 




100 



THE TRAPEZE. 




2. As in third exercise until the left arm is straight above the bar (Fig. 5) j 
raise the feet and pass them over the bar through Fig. 7. 

the space between the left hand and the right rope 
(Fig. 7), extend the legs, point the toes to the front, and 
come to the seat on the bar, retaining the grasp. 

In descending, withdraw the feet through the inter- 
space, and slowly lower them to the groimd. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left hand on the 
rope. 

The remarks at the conclusion of the third exercise 
may also be literally followed in this one. 

5. To Turn Round the Ropes, Right and Lefb.— Position as in second 
exercise. 

1. As in third exercise. Fig. 8. 

2. As in fourth exercise to the seat on the bar. 

3. Kaise the left hand from the bar and grasp 
the right rope as high as the face, slip the right 
hand down to the bar, and grasp it close to the 
rope with the thumb to the front, the fingers to the 
rear; lift the body from the bar, pass round the 

Fig. 9. outside of the right rope; 

the feet leading (Fig. 8), 
pass the lower limbs be- 
tween the ropes, and agaia 
come to the seat on the 
bar. 

4. Repeat the movement round the left rope, 
reversing the respective positions of the hands. 

Descend as in fourth exercise. 

In this exercise the limbs should be supported 
and guided by the instructor, this support beuig 
gradually withdrawn, until the learner can execute 
the movements without help. 





6. To Turn Round the Bar Forwards.- 

as in second exercise. 



-Position 



THE TRAPEZE. 



101 




Fig. 11. 



1. Eaise both hands and grasp the bar, the hands at the distance, the 
backs of the hands upwards, the fingers and thumbs meet- 
ing; extend the lower hmbs to the front, at the same tune 
smking to the reach of the hands; the legs together and 
straight, the feet together with the toes pointed to the front 
(Fig. 9). 

2. Lift the feet from the ground, the lower limbs in posi- 
tion, the arms remaining perfectly straight, until the feet 
are as high as the bar (Fig. 10) ; bend the arms, and at the 
same time elevate the body imtil the waist is as high as the 
bar, pass the lower limbs over the bar, the trunk following, 
revolving on the waist; (Fig. 11), lower the body, completing 
the circle, and slowly descend until the feet meet the ground 5 
relinquish the grasp of the hands. 

In the initiatory practice of this exercise a sUght spring may 
be taken, and both arms and legs allowed to remain bent ; the 
spring may then be dispensed with; next, the legs may remain 
bent at the commencement, and be extended during the rise ; 
to be followed by the straight leg and bent arm, leading direct 
to the perfect exercise. 

7. To Turn Round the Bar Backwards. — Position as in 
second exercise. 

1. As in sixth exercise. 

2. As in sixth exercise until the feet are as high as the bar 
(Fig. 10) ; pass the feet under the bar between the hands, and 
by a continuous movement bend the back Mg. 12. 
inwards and extend the lower limbs up- 
wards, bending the arms until the waist is as high as 

the bar (Fig. 12), let the lower half of the body slowly 

fall to the front, and as it descends let the upper half 

ascend in position, the head well thrown back, and sink 

slowly down, the back touching the bar (Fig. 13), until 

the feet meet the ground; relinquish the grasp of the 

hands. 

In this exercise the gradations by which it may be 
approached are less marked; it may be viewed as com- 
mencing where the second exercise terminates, and there is no intermediate 





102 



THE TRAPEZE. 





practice; nothing but perseverance against repeated failures will overcome 
the difBculty, lor the position is not such as will admit of direct help from 
the instructor, and all that can be given in this exercise must Fig. 13. 
be but the steadying of the limbs, enabling the learner to hold 
his own. 

8. To Turn Round the Bar Backwards, and 'Bjeivan.— Position 
as in second exercise. 

1. As in sixth exercise. 

2. As in preceding exercise to its completion, but at this 
point, instead of relinquishing the grasp, press from the hands, 

straighten the arms, bending the back 
inwards, and rise to the seat on the bar; 
slowly let the head and shoulders fall 
to the rear, re-pass the feet under the 
bar, straighten the legs, lower the 
body, and return to the first position. 

9. To Rise Above the Bar, Right and Left. — 
Position as in second exercise. 

1. As in sixth exercise. 

2. Lift both feet from the ground, 
bend the arms until the breast is as 

high as the bar, press strongly with the right hand upon the 
bar and raise the fore-arm vertically above it (Fig. 14) ; repeat 
the movement with the left hand, complete the extension of 
both arms, and come to the upright position, resting on the 
bar (Fig. 15). 

In descending, re-bend the right arm, and pass it below the 
bar, the left following, lower the body and come to the first 
position. 

This exercise to be repeated left and right. 

This exercise has no gradations on the trapeze, but may be 
approached nearly by practice on the horizontal bar, which 
being fixed and firm renders the practice less difiacult. 

10. To Rise Above the Bar, Both. Hands at Once. — Position as in second 
exercise. 

1 . As in sixth exercise. 



rig. 15. 




THE TRAPEZE. 



loa 



both feet from the ground, bend the arms tmtil the breast is as 
16. high as the bar, press strongly upon the bar with both 

hands at once and rise above it (Fig. IG), completing 
the extension of the arms, and come to the upright 
position, resting on the bar as in Fig. 15. 

This series of movements to be executed without 
pause, and at the same pace throughout. 

In descending, re-bend the arms, pass them below 
the bar, and come to the first position. 

The concluding remarks to the preceding exercise 
apply equally well to this. 




Fig. 




Fig. 18. 



11. To Turn TJnder the Bar on One Hand. — Position 
as in second exercise. 

1. As in sixth exercise. 

2. As in sixth exercise, until the feet are as high as 
the bar (Fig. 10) ; pass the feet under the bar between 
the hands, and let them descend close to the ground, 
but without touching it (Fig. 17); quit the grasp of 
the left hand, at the same time folding the lower 
limbs close under the body, and swinging round by 
the right, make a complete turn laterally, and agaia 
come to the front (Fig. 18), re-grasp the bar with the 
left hand, extend the legs, again raise the feet to the 
bar and re-pass them under it, quit the grasp with the 
right hand, swinging round by the left, re-grasp the 
bar with the right hand, extend the legs and come to 
the first position. 

This exercise may be approached by practice on an 
apparatus that turns with the hand, such as the rings. 

12. To Form the Straight Line. — Position as in 
second exercise. 

1 . As in sixth exercise. 

2. As in preceding exercise until the feet arc passed 
under the bar ; at this point extend the legs to the 
rear and pause, forming a perfectly horizontal line 

Aom head to foot, suspended by the arms under the bar (Fig. 19) ; relax 




104 THE TRAPEZE. 




the extension, re-pass the feet under the har, extend the legs in front, and 
come to the first position. Kg. 19. 

This exercise is always found to he one 
of the most difficult on the trapeze, and 
requires the greatest care in its execution ; 
the pause in the horizontal line should 
never exceed a few seconds. The variation 
of this exercise sometimes performed, of 
passing from the horizontal line over the 
bar, should never he allowed, as it is in 
the highest degree dangerous. 

13. Swinging on the Trapeze. 

It is scarcely possible to give any definite directions for the performance 
of evolutions upon the trapeze at full swhig. No amount of written 
description can convey a correct idea of the manner in which they are 
executed ; they are the result of experience, much caution being exercised 
at first, and gradually feeling the way, as confidence increases, to more 
venturesome attempts which unite grace of action with daring in conception. 

It is the pride of every trapeze performer to attempt some sensational 
feat which appears more or less original either in plan or execution, but all 
such acts, or nearly all, are combinations or new applications of simple 
exercises. 

The only way to gain confidence and proficiency is to practise the exercises, 
first with the trapeze-bar as stationary as circumstances permit, repeating^ 
them with a slight swinging motion, and persevering until their perform- 
ance is successful at full swing. 

There are various ways of obtaiaing a full swing ; for learners, perhaps, 
the easiest and safest way is to sit upon the bar, grasping the ropes, and 
using the trapeze as an ordinary swing until sufficient sweep has been 
attained. 

A quicker method is to hold the bar firmly with both hands, the left leg- 
bent at the knee over the bar, the body and right leg hanging free. When 
the swing forwards is nearly complete sweep the right leg upwards, and 
quickly straighten the body; at the completion of the backward swing, 
sweep the right leg backwards as far as possible and again straighten the 
body. In a few oscillations almost a semicircular swing will be attained. 



THE TRAPEZE. 105 



Another method, apparently requiring greater nerve, but really not very 
•difficult, is to straddle the bar, left leg foremost, the body upright, the 
legs straight down, and holding the bar with both hands firmly; just before 
the end of the forward swing make a somersault backwards, the swing of 
the body will add momentum to the swing; just before the end of the back, 
ward swing, make a somersault forwards, and the momentum will be further 
increased. The main difficulty in this feat is in resuming and retaining an 
upright position after each somersault, but practice will achieve it. 

It will soon be discovered that many exercises which require severe 
muscular strain when attempted on the horizontal bar, will become com- 
paratively easy when performed on the swinging trapeze, by utilizing the 
motion of the swing at the right moment. 

It will also be found that, when the swing motion is sufficient to bring 
the suspending ropes into nearly or quite a horizontal position, at the point 
where the rise is at its full, and before the down sweep commences, there is 
a moment of perfect equipoise, almost instantaneous, of course, but quite 
long enough to allow of a change or reversal of the grasp on the bar, a new 
adjustment of position, or a change of hold from the bar to the ropes. 

The strain is greatest at the lowest or centre-point of the swing, and 
gradually decreases as the upward rise progresses ; the upward sweep is, 
therefore, the most propitious for change of posture, to be completed at or 
before the point of equipoise already referred to, and a firm grip and stable 
balance acquired before the downward sweep commences, during which the 
physical strain is steadily on the increase. 

COMBINATIONS. 

The following exercises should be combined and executed without pause, 
.as soon as the separate exercises composing them can be performed singly. 

COMBINATIONS OF TWO EXEECISES. 

Nos. 2 and 5. To rise by both ropes — to turn round the ropes, right and 

left. 
Nos. 4 and 5. To rise by the front lift — to turn round the ropes, right and 

left. 
Nos. 6 and 8. To turn round the bar forwards — to turn round the bar, 

backwards, and return. 



106 THE TRAPEZE. 



Nos. and 10. To turn round the bar forwards — to rise above the bar, both 

bands at once. 
Nos. 6 and 11. To turn round the bar forwards — to turn under the bar on 

one band. 
Nos. 6 and 12. To turn round the bar forwards — to form tbe straight liae. 
Nos. 8 and 10. To turn round the bar backwards, and return — to rise above 

the bar, both hands at once. 
Nos. 8 and 11. To turn round the bar backwards, and return — to turn 

under the bar on one hand. 
Nos. 8 and 12. To turn round the bar backwards, and return — to form the 

straight line. 
Nos. 10 and 11. To rise above the bar both hands at once — to turn under 

the bar on one hand. 
Nos. 10 and 12. To rise above the bar both hands at once — to form the. 

straight line. 

COMBrNATIONS OP THKEE EXERCISES. 

Nos. 6, 8 and 10. To turn round the bar forwards — ^to turn round the bar 

backwards and return — to rise above the bar, both. 

hands at once. 
Nos. 6, 10 and 11. To turn round the bar forwards — to rise above the bar, 

both hands at once — to turn under the bar on one- 
hand. 
Nos. 6, 10 and 12. To turn round the bar forwards — to rise above the bar,. 

both hands at once — to form the straight line. 
Nos. 6, 11 and 12. To turn round the bar forwards — to turn under the bar 

on one hand — to form the straight line. 
Nos. 10, 8 and 12. To rise above the bar, both hands at once— to tura 

round the bar backwards, and return — ^to form the 

straight line. 
Nos. 8, H and 12. To turn round the bar backwards and return — to turn 

on one hand under the bar — to form the straight. 

line. 
Nos. 8, 1 1 and 10. To turn round the bar backwards and return — to turn 

under the bar on one hand — to rise above the bar, 

both hands at once. 



THE TRAPEZE. 107 



COMBIJTATIOlSrS OF FOIJR EXERCISES. 

Nos. Q, 8 10 and 11. To turn round, the bar forwards — to turn round the 
bar backwards, and return — to rise above the bar, 
both hands at once — to turn under the bar on one 
hand. 

Nos. 6, 10, 11 and 12. To turn round the bar forwards — ^to rise above the 
bar, both hands at once — to turn under the bar on 
one hand — to form the straight hne. 

Nos. 8, 10, 6 and 12. To turn round the bar backwards, and return — to 
rise above the bar, both hands at once — to turn 
round the bar forwards — to form the straight Une. 

Nos. 10, 8, 11 and 6. To rise above the bar, both hands at once — to turn 
round the bar backwards, and return — to turn 
under the bar on one hand — to turn round the bar 
forwards. 

COMBIlTATIOifS OP FIVE EXERCISES. 

Nos. 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12. To turn round the bar forwards — to turn round 

the bar backwards, and return — to rise above 
the bar, both hand at once — ^to turn under the 
bar on one hand — to form the straight line. 

Nos. 8, 10, 6, 11 and 12. To turn round the bar backwards, and return — to 

rise above the bar, both hands at once — to turn 
round the bar forwards — to turn under the bar 
on one hand — to form the straight hne. 

Nos. 10, 8, 6, 10 and 12. To rise above the bar, both hands at once — to 

turn round the bar backwards, and return — 
to turn round the bar forwards — to rise above 
the bar, both hands at once — to form the 
straight line. 



THE INCLUDED LADDER. 



Fiff. 1. 



It may seem unnecessary to teach, by formal instructions, exercises so 
simple as many of those directed in the text to he performed on this ma- 
chine, hut their usefulness may he readily proved. Let a dozen men he 
taken at hazard and desired to chmh a ladder at any given incline, and it 
will he found that scarcely two will do so in the same manner, scarcely two 
will maintain throughout the ascent the position and action with which they 
began, while uncertainty, hesitation, and insecurity will more or less mark 
the efforts of all. The practised gymnast, on the contrary, will mount it as 
surely and as rapidly as if it were a staircase, in any one of a dozen differ- 
ent ways, and with far less strain on the ladder than an unpractised person. 

The ladder should be carefully constructed, and the materials well 
selected. The width of the ladder between the supports should be ] 4 or 15 
inches, and the spars 9 inches apart. 

The inclination of the ladder should he frequently 
varied. 

Apart from the mechanical facilities gained in the use 
of the ladder, the exercises afford excellent training in 
uniformity of motion, precision, and accuracy in measure- 
ment of distances — all of which are essential to gymnastic 
perfection. 

1. Eight Hand Leading. — Position of attention at the 
foot of the ladder, the toes touching it. 

1. Eaise the right hand and grasp the spar nearest 
the reach, the left following, the fingers and thumbs to- 
gether ; lift the right foot from the ground, and place it 
on the first spar, the left foUowiug, resting on the front of 
the foot, the toes pointed to the front, the column of the 
body and lower limbs straight but unconstrained, and inclined towards the 
line of the ladder, the head erect, the eyes directed to the reach of the 
hands (Fig. 1). 

108 




THE INCLINED L A D D E H . 



109 



2. Raise the right hand to the next spar, the left following, lift the right 
foot to the next spar, straighten the right knee, and lift the left foot to the 
next spar. Repeat. 

In descending, slip the right foot down to the next spar, the left follow- 
ing, slip the right hand down to the next spar, the left following. Repeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left hand leading. 

This exercise to be repeated with the hands Ughtly grasping the sides 
of the ladder. 

2. Right Side Lea,Am§,— Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Raise the right hand to the next spar and at the same time lift the 



Fia;. 2. 



right foot to the next spar (Fig. 2), straighten the right 
knee and lift the left hand and left foot together to the 
same spar. Repeat. 

In descending, slip the right hand down to the next 
spar, and at the same time slip the right foot down to the 
next spar, the left hand and left foot following. Repeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left side leading. 

This exercise to be repeated with the hands lightly 
grasping the sides of the ladder. 

3. Eight and Left Si&e.— Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Raise the right hand to the next spar and at the 
same time lift the right foot to the next spar, as in 
Fig. 2 ; straighten the right knee and at the same time 
raise the left hand to the spar above that grasped by 

the right, and lift the left foot to the spar above that occupied by the right. 
Repeat the step, the leading hand and foot always passing the spars occu- 
pied by the supporting hand and foot. 

In descending, pass the leading hand down to the spar below that 
grasped by the supporting hand, and the leading foot to the spar below 
that occupied by the supporting foot. Repeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the hands lightly grasping the sides 
of the ladder. 

4. Right and Left, Hand and "Foot.— Position as in first exercise. 




110 



THE INCLINED LADDEB. 



Fig. 3. 



1. As iu first exercise. 

2. Kaise the right hand to the next spar and at the same time lift the 
left foot to the next spar (Fig. 3) ; straighten the left knee 
and at the same time raise the left hand to the spar above 
that grasped by the right, and hft the right foot to the 
spar above that occupied by the left. Eepeat the step, 
the leading hand and foot always passiug the spars occu- 
pied by the supporting hand and foot. 

M descending, pass the leading hand to the spar below 
that grasped by the supporting hand, and the leading 
foot to the spar below that occupied by the supporting 
foot. Repeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the hands lightly 
grasping the sides of the ladder. 




left 



5. Both Hands at Qnoe.— Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in first exercise. 

2. Eaise both hands to the next spar; lift the right 
foot to the next spar, the left following. Repeat. 

In descending, slip the right foot down to the next spar, the 
following; slip both hands down to the next spar. -£^^_ ^ 

Eepeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the hands lightly 
grasping the sides of the ladder. 

6. With One Hand. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. Place the left hand upon the hip joint, the fingers 
to the front, the thumb to the rear ; raise the right hand 
and grasp the spar nearest the reach, Uft the left foot and 
place it on the first spar, the right following (Fig. 4). 

2. Eaise the right hand to the next spar, lift the left 
foot to the next spar, straighten the left knee, elon- 
gate the trunk, and lift the right foot to the same spar. 
Eepeat, 

In descending, slip the left foot down to the next spar, 
the right following, slip the right hand down to the next spar. Eepeat. 
This exercise to be repeated with the left hand. 




THE INCLINED LADDER. 



Ill 



Fig. 5. 



This exercise to be repeated with the hand hghtly grasping the side 
of the ladder. 

7. With the Feet OvX^.—Fosition as in first exercise. 

1 . Place both hands on the hip joints, lift the right 
foot from the ground and place it on the first spar, the 
left following, the feet advanced on the spar so that 
the rest is nearly at the heel, and the front of the leg 
nearly touching the spars ; the column of the body in- 
clined to the front, the head in the same line and the 
eyes directed to the front. 

2. Lift the left foot to the second spar (Fig. 5), 
straighten the left leg and at the same time lift the 
right foot to the same spar. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip the left foot down to the next 
spar, the right following. Repeat. 

8. Right Hand Leading, Under the Ladder.— Posi- 

tion of attention, under the ladder. 

1. Eaise the right hand and grasp the spar nearest 
the reach, the left following, the fingers and thumb together ; lift the right 
jpig. 6. foot from the ground and place it on the nearest 

spar, the left following, straighten the knees, elon- 
gate the trunk, the arms bent at the half reach, 
the chest advanced, the body inclined in the line of, 
and close to, the ladder, the head back, the eyes 
directed to the reach of the hands (Fig. 6). 

2. Eaise the right hand to the next spar, the 
left following ; lift the right foot to the next spar, 
the left following, straighten the knees and elongate 
the trunk. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip the right foot down to the 
next spar, the left following; slip the right hand 
down to the next spar, the left following. Eepeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left hand 
leading. 
9. Eight Side Leading, Under the LaMev.— Position as in eighth exercise. 





112 



THE INCLINED LADDEE. 



Fig. 7. 




1. As in eiglitli exercise. 

2. Kaise the right hand to the next spar, and at the same time lift the 
right foot to the next spar (Fig. 7), the left hand 
and foot following on the left. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip the right hand down to 
the next spar, and at the same time slip the 
right foot down to the next spar, the left hand 
and left foot following together to the same 
spars. Eepeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left 
side leading. 

10. Right and Left Side, Under the Ladder.— 

Position as in eighth exercise. 

1. As in eighth exercise. 

2. Raise the right hand to the next spar, and 
at the same time lift the right foot to the next 
spar, as in Fig. 7 ; straighten the right knee and 
at the same time raise the left hand to the spar above that grasped by the 
right, and lift the left foot to the spar above that 
occupied by the right. Repeat the step, the lead- 
ing hand and foot always passing the supporting 
hand and foot. 

In descending, pass the leading hand down to 
the spar below that grasped by the supporting 
hand, and the leading foot to the spar below that 
occupied by the supporting foot. Repeat. 

11. Hand and Foot, Under the La.Mer.— Position 
as in eighth exercise. 

1. As in eighth exercise. 

2. Raise the right hand to the next spar and at 
the same time lift the left foot to the next spar 
(Fig. 8), straighten the left knee and elongate the 
trunk, and at the same time raise the left hand 
to the spar above that grasped by the right, and the right foot to the 
spar above that occupied by the left. Repeat the step, the leading hand 



Fig. 8. 




THE INCLINED LADDEB. 



» 
113 



Pig. 9. 



and foot always passing the spars occupied by tlie supporting hand and 
foot. 

In descending; slip the leading hand down to the spar below that grasped 
by the supporting hand, and the leading foot to the spar below that occu- 
pied by the supporting foot. Eepeat. 

12. Both Hands at Once, Under the Ladder.— Posi^ww as in eighth exercise. 

1. As in eighth exercise. 

2. Eaise both hands to the next spar and lift both feet to the next spar, 
straighten the knees and elongate the trunk. Eepeat. 

In descending, pass both feet down to the next spar, and pass both 
hands down to the next spar. Eepeat. 

13. Eight Hand Leading, Under the Ladder, by the Sides.— Posiifww as in 
eighth exercise. 

1. As in eighth exercise, except that the hands 
grasp the sides of the ladder, right and left, instead 
of the spars (Fig. 9). 

2. Eaise the right hand to the reach, the left 
following on the left ; lift the right foot to the next 
spar, the left following, straighten the knees and 
elongate the trunk. Eepeat. 

In descending, shp the right foot down to the 
next spar, the left following ; slip the right hand 
down to the rest, the left following on the left. 
Eepeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left hand 
leading. 

14. Right Side Leading, Under the Ladder, by the 
Sides. — Position as in eighth exercise. 

1. As in thirteenth exercise. 

2. Eaise the right hand to the reach, and at the same time lift the right 
foot to the next spar, the left hand and foot following on the left. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip the right hand down to the rest, and at the same 
time sUp the right foot down to the next spar, the left hand and left foot 
following on the left. Eepeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left side leading. 




114 



THE INCLINED LADDER. 



15. Right and Left Side, Under the Ladder, by the Sides— Position as in 
eighth exercise. 

1 . As in thirteenth exercise. 

2. Raise the right hand to the reach, and at the same time lift the right 
foot to the nest spar ; straighten the right knee, and at the same time raise 
the left hand to the reach and lift the left foot to the spar above that occu- 
pied by the right. Repeat the step, the leading hand and foot always 
passing the supporting hand and foot. 

In descending, pass the leading hand down to the rest, and at the same 
time slip the leading foot down to the spar below that occupied by the 
supporting foot. Repeat. 

16. Hand and Foot, Under the Ladder, by the Sides.— Pos^i^ow as in eighth 
exercise. 

1. As in thirteenth exercise. 

2. Raise the right hand to the reach, and at the same time lift the left 
foot to the next spar ; straighten the left knee and elongate the trunk, and 
at the same time raise the left hand to the reach and the right foot to the 
spar above that occupied by the right. Repeat the step, the leading hand 
and foot always passing the supporting hand and foot. 

In descending, pass the leading hand down to 
the rest, and at the same time slip the leading foot 
down to the spar below that occupied by the sup- 
porting foot. Repeat. 

17. Both Hands at Once, Under the Ladder, by 
the Sides. — Position as in eighth exercise. 

1 . As in thirteenth exercise. 

2. Raise both hands to the reach, lift both feet 
to the next spar, straighten the knees and elongate 
the trunk. Repeat. 

In descending, pass both feet down to the next 
spar, slip both hands down to the rest. Repeat. 

18. Right Hand Leading, by Spars and Sides.— 

Position as in eighth exercise. 

1. As in eighth exercise, except that the leading hand grasps the spar, 
the supporting hand grasps the side of the ladder (Fig. 10). 



Fig. 10. 




THE INCLINED LADDER. 115 

2. Raise the right hand to the next spar, raise the left hand the same 
distance on the side ; lift the right foot to the next spar, the left following, 
straighten the knees and elongate the trunk. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip the right foot down to the next spar, the left follow- 
ing, slip the right hand down to the next spar, the left following on the 
side, the same distance. Eepeat. 

This exercise to he repeated with the left hand leading. 

19. Right Side Leading, by Spars and Sides.— Posiiww as in eighth exercise^ 

1. As in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Eaise the right hand to the next spar, and at the same time lift the 
right foot to the next spar, the left hand and left foot following the same 
distance. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip the right hand down to the next spar and at the 
same time slip the right foot down to the next spar, the left hand and left 
foot following the same distance. Eepeat. 

This exercise to he repeated with the left side leading. 

20. Right and Left Side, by Spars and Sides.— PosiYww as in eighth 
exercise. 

1. As in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Eaise the right hand to the next spar, and at the same time lift the 
right foot to the next spar ; straighten the right knee and at the same time 
raise the left hand the distance of the step ahove the right and the left foot 
to the spar above that occupied by the right. Eepeat the step, the leading 
hand and foot always passing the supporting hand and foot. 

In descending, shp the leading hand and foot down the distance of the 
step below the supporting hand and foot. Eepeat. 

21. Hand and Foot, by Spars and Sides.— PosiYiow as in eighth exercise. 
\. As in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Eaise the right hand to the next spar, and at the same time lift the 
left foot to the next spar ; raise the left hand the distance of the step above 
the right, and the right foot to the spar above that occupied by the left. 
Eepeat the step, the leading hand and foot always passing the supporting 
hand and foot. 

In descending, slip the leading hand and foot down the distance of the 
step below the supporting hand and foot. Eepeat. 



116 



THE INCLINED LADDER 



rig. 11. 



22. Both. Hands at Once, by Spars and Sides.— Pos^^^ow as in eighth 

exercise. 

1. As in eighteenth exercise. 

2. Eaise both hands the distance of the step, the right grasping the next 
spar, the left grasping the side ; lift both feet to the next spar, straighten 
the knees and elongate the trunk. Eepeat. 

In descending, shp both hands down the distance of the step, pass both 
feet down to the next spar. Eepeat. 

23. Right Hand Leading, by the Sides OvUy.— Position as in seventh 
exercise. 

1 . Eaise the right hand to the reach and grasp the side of the ladder, 
the left following on the left, the fingers and thumbs meeting ; bend the 
arms to the half reach, lifting the feet from the 
ground, the legs straight and together, the toes 
pointed downwards, the trunk of the body upright, 
the neck free, the head held back, the eyes directed 
to the reach of the hands (Fig. 11). 

2. Eaise the right hand to the reach, the left 
following on the left ; bend the arms to the half 
reach, retaining the trunk and lower limbs in 
position. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip the right hand down to the 
rest, the left following on the left. Eepeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left hand 
leading. 

24. Hand Over Hand, by the Sides Qvlj— Position 
as in eighth exercise. 

1. As in twenty-second exercise. 

2. Eaise the right hand to the reach, bend the right arm and on the in- 
stant raise the left hand to the reach, beyond the right. Eepeat, the lead- 
ing hand always passing beyond the level of the supporting hand. 

In descending, shp the leading hand down to the rest, below the sup- 
porting hand. Eepeat. 

25. Both Hands at Once, by the Sides Only.— Pos^Y^ow as in eighth exercise. 
^ 1. As in twenty-second exercise. 




THE INCLINED LADDER. 



117 



Mg. 12. 



2. Shoot up both hands to the reach, retaining the arms bent, and the 
trunk and lower hmbs in position. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip both hands down to the reach. Repeat. 

26. Right Hand Leading, by the Spars Qvl-^.— Position as in eighth 
exercise. 

1. Eaise the right hand and grasp the spar nearest the reach, the left 
following, the fingers and thumbs together; bend tlio 
arms to the half reach, lifting the feet from the ground, 
the trunk and lower limbs as in twenty-third exerciso 
(Fig. 12). 

2. Raise the right hand to the next spar, the left fol- 
lowing, bend the arms to the half reach, retaining the 
trunk and lower limbs in position. Repeat. 

In descending, slip the right hand down to the next 
spar, the left following. Repeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left hand 
leading. 

27. Hand Over Hand, by the Spars Only.— Position as 
in eighth exercise. 

1. As in twenty-fifth exercise. 

2. Raise the right hand to the next spar, bend the 
right arm and on the instant raise the left hand to the 

spar above that grasped by the right. Repeat, the leading hand always 
passing the spar grasped by the supporting hand. 

In descending, slip the leading hand down to the spar below that 
grasped by the supporting hand. Repeat. 

28. Bpth Hands at Once, by the S^axs Only. —Position as in eighth exercise. 

1. As in twenty-fifth exercise. 

2. Shoot up both hands to the next spar, retaining the arms bent, and 
the trunk and lower limbs in position. Repeat. 

In descending, slip both hands down to the next spar. Repeat. 

29. Right Hand Leading, by Spars and Sides Only.— Position as in eighth 
exercise. 

1. As in twenty-third exercise, except that the right hand grasps the 
spar, the left hand grasps the side of the ladder, opposite the right. 




118 



THE INCLINED LADDER. 



2. Eaise the riglit hand to the next spar, the left following the same 
distance on the side. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip the right hand down to the next spar, the left follow- 
ing the same distance on the side. Eepeat. 

This exercise to he repeated with the left hand leading and grasping 
the spar, the right hand on the side. 

30. Hand Over Hand, by Spars and Sides OvXy.— Position as in eighth 

■exercise. 

1. As in twenty-ninth exercise. 

2. Eaise the right hand to the next spar, hend the right arm and on the 
instant raise the left hand to the reach beyond the right. Eepeat, the 
leading hand always passing the supporting hand. 

In descending, slip the right hand down to the next spar below the left, 
slip the left down below the right. Eepeat. 

This exercise to be I'cpeated, the left hand grasping the spar, the right 
hand on the side. 

31. Both Hands at Once, by Spars and Sides Oialy.— Position as in eighth 
■exercise. 

1. As in twenty-ninth exercise. 

2. Shoot np both hands the distance of the step (the 
distance between the spars), the right grasping the next 
spar, the left grasping the side of the ladder, opposite 
the right. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip both hands down the distance of 
the step, as in the ascent. Eepeat. 

This exercise to be repeated, the left hand grasping 
the spar, the right hand on the side. 

32. Left Hand Leading, Sideways.— Posii^ow of atten- 
tion, the ladder in profile on the left. 

1. Eaise the right hand and, passing it above the lad- 
der, grasp the spar nearest the reach, the fingers and 
thumb meeting, raise the left hand and, passing it under 
the ladder, grasp the spar above that grasped by the 
right ; bend the arms and lift both feet from the ground, the legs straight 
^nd together, the toes pointed downwards, the trunk of the body upright, 



Mg. 13. 




THE INCLINED LADDEB 



119 



Fig. 14. 



the neck free, the head shghtly held back, the eyes directed to the reach 
of the hands (Fig. 13). 

2. Kaise the left hand to the next spar, raise the right hand to the next 
spar. Kepeat. 

In descending, pass the right hand down to the next spar, pass the left 
hand down to the next spar. Eepeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the right hand leading. 

33. Hand Over Hand, Sideways.— Posiiio,^ as in tidrty-second exercise. 

1. As in thirty-second exercise. 

2. Eaise the right hand to the spar above that grasped by the left, ele- 
vate the body and raise the left hand to the spar 
above that grasped by the right. Eepeat. 

In descending, pass the leading hand down to 
the spar below that grasped by the supporting hand. 
Eepeat. 

34. Right Hand Leading. Sideways, Legs Up.— 
Position as in thirty -second exercise. 

1. As in thirty-second exercise, except that in 
lifting the feet from the ground they are to be ex- 
tended to the front horizontally, the legs straight 
and together, the toes pointed to the front (Fig. 14). 

2. As in thirty-second exercise, retaining the 
lower limbs in position. Eepeat. 

Descend as in thirty-second exercise. 
This exercise to be repeated with the left hand leading. 

35. Hand Over Hand, Sideways, Legs JJ-g.— Position as in thirty -second 
exercise. 

1. As in thirty-fourth exercise. 

2. As in twenty-fifth exercise, retaining the lower limbs in position. 
Eepeat. 

Descend as in thirty-third exercise. 

36. Right Hand Leading, Hands Only, Above the Ladder.— Posif^■ow as 

in first exercise. 

1. Eaise both hands and grasp the spar nearest the reach, tbe fingers 
and thumb meeting ; press strongly from the hands, and straightening the 




120 



THE INCLINED LADDER. 



Pig. 15. 



arms, lift botli feet from the ground and pass them right and left outside 
the ladder, the inside of the foot lightly pressing 
against the supports, the legs straight, the toes 
pointed downwards, the chest advanced, the head 
slightly bent back (Fig. 15). 

2. Eaise the right hand to the next spar, 
straighten the right arm, raise the left hand to the 
same spar. Eepeat. 

In descending, slip the right hand down to the 
next spar, the left following. Eepeat. 

This exercise to be repeated with the left hand 
leading. 

37. Hand Over Hand, Hands Only, Above the 
Ladder. — Position as in first exercise. 

1. As in thirty-sixth exercise. 

2. Eaise the right hand to the next spar, 

straighten the right arm and on the instant raise the left hand to the spar 
above that grasped by the right. Eepeat the step, the leading hand always 
passing the spar grasped by the supporting hand. 

In descending, slip the leading hand down to the spar below that 
grasped by the supporting hand. Eepeat. 

38. To Descend Rapidly Above the Ladder. 

Pass the right leg over the side of the ladder, the knee bent, the foreleg 
pendent, the left leg following on the left. Pass the right hand to the out- 
side of the ladder, grasping the support on the underside, the fingers and 
thumb together, the left hand following on the left. Eegulate the rate of 
descent by the pressure of the hands. 




Dick & Fitzgerald. 



PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. 



POST OFFICE BOX 297B. 



*^*Thie Publishers, upon receipt of the Price, -will send, any of the 
following books by mail, POSTAGE PAID, to any part of the 
United. States. In ordering books, the full name, post office. 
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Dick's Games of Patience ; or, Solitaire with Cards. New edition with 
twenty new Games and seventeen new illustrations added. Now containing Sixty- 
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a solitary hour. Quarto. Ulustrated. Paper cover 75cts. 

Cloth $1.00 



The Debater, Chairmaii's Assistant, and Rules of Order. A manual 

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How to Organize and A rrange Public Meet- 
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Form,! for Constitutions of Lyceums or Insti- 
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The Powers and Duties of Officers, with Forms 
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TheFormation and Duties of Committees ; 



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Mode of Procedure in all cases: 

How to Draft Resolutions and other Written 
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A model Debate, introducing the greatest pos- 
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The Rules of Order, in Tabular Form, for in- 
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Bound in board, cloth back 50 ctS* 



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Barber's American Book of Ready-Made Speeches. Containing 159 

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The Contents embrace the following Subjects: 



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Forms of Cards 

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Letters and Notes Accepting and 

Declining Invitations 
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Notes and Letters Offering Favors 
Notes and Letters Granting or Declin- 
ing Favors 



Notes Soliciting Donations 

Notes and Letti-rs Granting or 

Refusing Donations 
Letters of Congratulation 
Letters of Coiidohnce 
Answers to Letters of Condolence 
Household Letters and Nctes 
Forms of Household Orders 
Answers to Household Letttrs 
Business Letters and Notes 
Shopping by Mail 
Forms of Orders 
Miscellaneous Business Letters 
Family Letters 
Miscellaneous Notes and Letters 



These new and Original Letters have been written expressly for this work in an easy 
and elegant style, furnishing excellent models which fulfill all the social, formal and 
business conditions that occur in the Correspondence of Ladies who move in refined 
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is especially adapted, and will afford them valuable aid in rendering the task of cor- 
respondence easy and light. 12mo., Cloth, Price $1.25- 

Dick's Mysteries of the Hand ; or, Palmistry made Easy. Trans- 
lated, Abridged and Arranged from the French Works of Desbarrolles, D'Arpentigny 
and De Para d'Hermes. This book is a concise summary of lixe elaborate works of the 
above-named authorities on Palmistry. 

The various lines and mounts on the palm of the hand, and the typical formation 
of the hand and fingers are all clearly explained and illustrated by diagrams. The 
meaning to be deduced from the greater or less development of these mounts and 
lines (each of which has its own signification), also from the length, thickness and 
shape of the thumb and fingers, and from the mutual bearing they exercise on 
each other, is all distinctly explained. 

Complete facility for instant reference is insured by means of marginal notes by which 
any point of detail may be found and consulted at a glance. 

By means of this book the hitherto occult mystery of Palmistry is made simple and 
easy, and the whole Art may be acquired without difficulty or delay. It is emphati- 
cally Palmistry in a nutshell, and by its use, character and disposition can be dis- 
cerned and probable future destiny foretold with surprising accuracy. Illuminated 
paper cover ..50 cts. 

Dick's Hand-Book of Whist. Containing Pole's and Clay's Rules for 
playing the modern scientific game; the Club Kules of Whist, and two interesting 
Double Dummy Problems. This is a thorough treatise on the game of Whist, taken 
from " The American Hoyle " which is the standard authority. It covers all the 
points and intricacies which arise in the game; including the acknowledged code of 
etiquette observed by the players, with Drayson's remarks on Trumps, their use and 
abuse, and all the modern methods of signalling between partners. Price 25 CtS. 

Kavanaugh's New Speeches and Dialoerues for Younr^ Children. 

Containing easy pieces in plain language, readily linderstood by little children, and 
expressly adapted for School Exhibitions and Christmas and other juvenile celebra- 
tions. By Mrs. Russell Kavanaugh. This is an entirely new series of Recitations and 
Dialogues by this author, and full of pieces, in her well-known style of familiar 
simplicity, admirably calculated to give the little ones additional opportunities to 

distinguish themselves before an audience. 16mo. Paper cover 30 CtS. 

16mo. Board cover 50 cts. 



Popular Books sent Pree of Postage at the Prices annexed. 
Dick's Book of Toasts, Speeches and Responses. Containing Toasts 

and Sentiments for Public and Social Occasions, and specimen Speeches with appro- 
priate replies suitable for the following occasions : 



Public Dinners, 
Social Dinners, 
Convivial Gatherings, 
Art and Professional Banquets, 
Manufacturers' Meetings, 
Agricultural and Commercial Festivals, 
Special Toasts for Ladies, 
Christmas, Thanksgiving and other 
Pestivals, 



Friendly Meetings, 

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Army and JS'avy Banquets, 

Patriotic and Political Occasions, 

Trades' Unions and Dinners, 

Benedicts' and Bachelors' Banquets, 

Masonic Celebrations, 

Sporting Coteries, 

All Kinds of Occasions. 



This work includes an instructive dissertation on the Art of making amusing After-dinner 
. Speeches, giving hints and directions by the aid of which persons with only ordi- 
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and Advice for Presiding at Table. 
The use of this work will render a poor and diffident speaker fluent and witty — and 
a good speaker better and wittier, besides afi'ording an immense fund of anecdotes, 
wit and wisdom, and other serviceable matter to draw upon at will. 

Paper covers. Price ." 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, ^oth back 50 ctS. 

Dick's Parlor Exhibitions, and How to Make them Successful. Con- 
taining complete and detailed directions for preparing and arranging Parlor Exhibi- 
tions and Amateur Performances. It includes. 



Tableaux Vivants, 
Living Portrailn, 
Living Statuary, 
Dame History's Peep S}iow. 
Shadow Pantomimes. 



Popular Ballads illustrated by 

appropriate action. 
Charades of all kinds. 
Parlor Pantomimes, 
Punch and Judy, 



AND FIFTY OTHEE DIVERTnTQ PABLOE PASTIMES AND AMUSEMENTS. 

It contains also a full Catalogue of the celebrated "Aet Exhibition": and a practical 
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This work is thoroughly practical, and gives the fullest instructions for preparing and 
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numerous engravings explaining the text. 150 pages, paper cover 30 Cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtS. 

"Worcester's Letter-Writer and Book of Business Forms, for Ladies 

and Gentlemen. Containing Accurate Directions for Conducting Epistolary Cor- 
erspondence, with 270 Specimen Letters, adapted to every Age and Situation in Life, 
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Petitions, Bills, Receipts, Drafts, Bills of Exchange, Promissory Notes, Executors' 
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portion applicable to Ladies being kept distinct from the rest of the book, in order to 
provide better facilities for ready reference. The Orthography of the entire work is 
based on Worcester's method, which is coming more and more into general use, from 
the fact that it presents less ambiguity in spelling. 216 pages. 
Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtSi 

Dick's One Hundred Amusements for Evening Parties, Picnics and 

Social Gatherings. This book is full of Original Novelties, It contains: 



Nnv and Attractive Games, clearly illustra- 
td by means of Witty Examples, show- 
ing how each may be most successfully 
played. 

Surprising Tricks, easy of perform.ance. 

Musical and other innocent sells. 



A variety nfneiv and ingenious puzzles. 
Comical illusions, fully described. These 
surprising and grotesque illusions are very 
startlinp in their effects, and present little 
or no difficulty in their preparation. 



AliSO AN ENTIEEtT NEW VEESION OF THE CELEBRATED " MES. JAELET's WAX ■WORKS." 

The whole beng illustrated by sixty fine wood engravings. Paper covers 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 CtS. 



Popular Books sent Free of Postage at the Prices annexed. 

How to Conduct a Debate. A Series of Complete Debates. Outlines 
of Debates and Questions for Discussion. In the complete debates, the cfuestions for 
discussion are defined, the debate formally opened, an array of brilliant arguments 
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work. By F. Kowton. 232 pages. Paper covers 50 CtS. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 75 CtS. 

Day's Book-Keeping Without a Master. Containing the Eudiments 

of Book-keeping in Single and Double Entry, together with the proper Forms and 
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Account Book, and is made to lie flat open for convenience in use 50 cts. 

The Young Reporter; or, How to Write Shorthand. A complete 

Phonographic Teacher, intended as a School-book, to afford thorough instructions to 
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the explanatory examples which are given as practical exercises, any person of the 
most ordinary intelligence may learn to write Shorthand, and report Speeches and Ser- 
mons in a shox t time. Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 CtS. 

Howard's Book of Conundrums and Riddles. Containing over 1,200 

of the best Conundrums, Biddies, Enigmas, Ingenious Catches and Amusing Sells ever 
invented. This splendid collection of curious paradoxes will afford the material for a 
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book, may take the lead in entertaining a company, and keep them in roars of laughter 

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Bound in boards, cloth back 50 Cts. 

The Parlor Magician; or, One Hundred Tricks for the Drawing- 

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demain, embracing : Tricks with Dice, Dominoes and Cards; Tricks with Ribbons, 
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and clearly explained with 121 engravings. Paper covers 30 CtS. 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 ctS. 

Book of Riddles and 500 Home Amusements. Containing a curious 

collection of Biddies, Charades and Enigmas ; Rebuses, Anagrams and Transpositions ; 
Conundrums and Amusing Puzzles ; Recreations in Arithmetic, and Queer Sleights, 
and other Entertaining Amusements. Illustrated with 60 engravings. Paper.. 30 CtS, 
Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 ctS. 

The Book of Fireside Games. Containing an explanation of a variety 
of Witty, Rollicking, Entertaining and Innocent Games and Amusing Forfeits, suited 
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parties and picnics. Paper covers 30 ctS. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts. 

The Book of 500 Curious Puzzles. Containing a large collection of 
Curious Puzzles, Entertaining Paradoxes, Perplexing Deceptions in Numbers, Amus- 
ing Tricks in Geometry, illustrated with a great variety of Engravings. Paper, 30 cts- 
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Parlor Tricks with Cards. Containing explanations of all the Tricks 
and Deceptions with Playing Cards ever invented. The whole illustrated and made 

plain and easy with 70 engravings. Paper covers 30 CtS, 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 ctS. 

The Language of Flowers. A complete dictionary of the Language of 
Flowers, and the sentiments which they express. Well arranged and comprehensive 
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. tined to fill a want long felt for a reliable book at a price within the reach of all. 
Paper 15 CtS. 



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Earey & Knowlson's Complete Horse Tamer and Farrier. A New 

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Spavin. Ulustrated with descriptive engravings. Bound in boards 50 ClS. 

How to Amuse an Evening' Party- A complete collection of Home 

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Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 CtS. 

Frost's Laws and By-Laws of American Society. A Complete Trea- 
tise on Etiquette. Containing Plain and Reliable Directions for Deportment in every 
Situation in Life, by S. A. Frost, author of "Frost's Letter- Writer," etc. This is a 
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also a reliable guide in the details of deportment and polite behavior. 

Paper covers 30 CtS. 

Bound in Boards, with cloth back 50 cts. 

Frost's Original Letter-Writer. A complete collection of Original 
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The Amateur Trapper and Trap-Maker's Guide. A complete and 

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How to Write a Composition. The use of thia excellent hand-book 
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Bound in boards, cloth back 50 ctS. 

Lander's Revised Work of Odd-Fellowship. Containing all the Lec- 
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Complete work in the following Degrees : Initiation ; First, or Pink Degree ; Secon d, 
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Grand Lodgo of Canada in September, 1880, 16mo, paper cover 25 Cts. 

Live and Learn. A guide for all those who wish to speak and write 
correctly; particularly intended as a Book of Reference for tho solution of difficulties 
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1,000 mistakes of daily occurrence in speaking, writing and pronunciation. 
Cloth, 16 mo., 216 pages.... SOcta. 



Popular Books sent Free of Postage at the Prices annexed. 

DIALOGUE BOOKS. 

Steele's Exhibition Dialogues. A collection of Dramatic Dialogues 
and Easy Plays, excellently adapted for Amateurs in Parlor and Exhibition Perform- 
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Amateurs, and combine simplicity of constriTction wilh telling "stag© siiuations"; 
they are, therefore, easy of performance, and at the same time very effective. 

150 pages. Illustrated, ijaper covers 30 ct;. 

Bound in boards 50 Cts. 

HcBride's New Dialogues. Especially designed for School and Literary- 
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The marked favor with which his four pravious volumes have been received sug- 
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pieces. They are all written with a view to develop dramatic talent, and abound in 
quaint humor. Dialect Drolleries, and telling stage "situations." 178 pages, illumi- 
nated paper cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards 50 CtS. 

HcBride's Temperance Dialogues. Designed for the use of Schools, 

Temperance Societies, Bands of Hope, Divisions, Lodges and Literary Circles. Intro- 
ducing Yankee, Dutch, Irish, Negro and other dialect characters. By H. Elliott 

McBbide. 183 pages, paper cover 30 ctS- 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtS. 

IScBride's Humorous Dialogues. A collection of New Dialogues, full 

of humor and witty repartee; some of them introducing Irish, Datch, Yankee and 

other dialect characters. 192 pages, paper cover 30 CtS. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtS. 

McBride's Comic Dialogues. A collection of twenty-three Original 
Humorous Dialogues, especially designed for the display of Amateur dramatic talent, 
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acters, and other ingeniously developed eccentricities. 180 pages, paper covers. 30 CtS. 
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McBride's All Kinds of Dialogues. A collection of twenty-five Origi- 
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characters. Excellently adapted for Amateur Performances. 180 pages, illuminated 

paper covers 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtS. 

Graham's School Dialogues for Young People. Being a new and orig- 
inal collection of Dialogues intended for Anniversaries and Exhibitions, carefully 
prepared and well calculated to develop dramatic talent. 176 pages, illuminated 

paper over 30 CtS. 

Boundin boards, cloth back 50 cts. 

Holmes' Very Little Dialosnies for Very Little Folks. Containing 

forty-seven New and Original Dialogues, with short and easy parts, almost entirely 
in words of one syllable, suited to the capacity and comprehension of very young 

children. Paper covers 30 CtS. 

Boundin boards, cloth back 50 Cts, 

Frost's Dialogues for Young Folks. A collection of thirty-six Original, 
Moral and Humorous Dialogues. Adapted for boys and girls between the ges "if ten 

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Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtS. 

Frost's New Book of Dialogues. Containing twenty nine entirely New 
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fifteen years. 180 pages, paper covers 30 CtS. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts- 

Frost's Humorous and Exhibition Dialogues. This is a collection of 

twenty-flve Sprightly Original Dialogues in Prose and Verse, intended to be spoken at 

School Exhibitions. 178 pages, paper covers 30 CtS. 

Boundin boards 50 CtS. 

TfE WILL SEND A CATALOGVE free, to any address, rontnining a list of all the Dia- 
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AMATEUR THEATRICALS. 

All the plays in the following excellent books are especially designed for Amateur 
performance. The majority of them are in one act and one scene, and may 
he represented in any moderate-sized parlor, without much preparation of 
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Kavanaugh's Humorous Dramas for School Exhibitions and Private 

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Bound in boards 50 CtS. 

Alice in Wonderland, and other Fairy Plays for Children. Consist- 
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Barmby's Musical Plays for Youngs People. Suitable for Private 

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irresistably Comical in expression, and elegant in construction. Each Play includes 
the Vocal Score and Piano Accompaniment to all Songs, Duets and Choruses intro- 
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Paper covers 30 Cts. 

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Parlor Theatricals; or Winter Evenings' Entertainment. Contain- 
ing Acting Proverbs, Dramatic Charades, Drawing-Room Pantomimes, a Musical 
Burlesque and an amusing Farce, with instructions for Amateurs. Illustrated with 

engravings. Paper covers 30 Cts. 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 ctS. 

Howard's .Book of Drawing-Room Theatricals. A collection of 

twenty short and amusing plays. Some of the plays are adapted for performers of 

one sex only. 186 pages, paper covers 30 ctS. 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 Cts. 

Hudson's Private Theatricals. A collection of fourteen humorous plays. 
Four of these plays are adapted for performance by males only, and three are for 

females. 180 Pages, paper covers 30 ctS. 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 CtS. 

Nugent's Burlesque aud Musical Acting Charades. Containing ten 

Charades, all in different styles, two of which are easy and effective Comic Parlor 
Operas, with Music and Piano-forte Accompaniments. 176 pages. 

Paper covers 30 ctS. 

Bound in boards, with clothlback 50 cts. 

Frost's Dramatic Proverbs and Charades. Containing eleven Pro- 
verbs and fifteen Charades, some of which are for Dramatic Performance, and others 

arranged for Tableaux Vivants. 176 pages, paper covers 30 CtS. 

Bound in boards, with cloth backs 50 CtS- 

Frost's Parlor Acting Charades. These twelve excellent and original 
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Illuminated boards 50 ctS, 

Frost's Book of Tableaux and Shadow Pantomimes. A collection of 

Tableaux Vivants and Shadow Pantomimes, with stage instructions for Costuming, 

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Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 Cts. 

Frost's Amateur Theatricals. A collection of eight original plays ; all 

short, amusing and new. 180 pages, paper covers 30 cts- 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 CtS. 



Popular Book3 sent Free of Postage at the Prices annexed. 
Dick's Ethiopian Scenes, Variety Sketches and Stump Speeches. 

Containing End Men's Jokes, 

Negro Interludes and Farces: | Dialogues and Repartee for Interlocutor and, 

Fresh, Dialogues for Interlocutor and Banjo ; bones; 

New Stump Speeches : \ Quaint Burlesque Sermons; 

Humorous Lectures : I Jokes, Quips and Gags. 

Dialect Sketches and Eccentricities ; \ 

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Tambo's End-Men's Minstrel Gags. Containing some of the best 

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Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 CtS. 

Dick's Dutch, French and Yankee Dialect Recitations. An unsur- 
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Dick's Irish Dialect Recitations. A carefully compiled Collection of. 
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the Irish Dialect that can be gathered from a whole library of " Recitation" books. 
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matter for perusal in leisure moments. 170 pages. Paper cover 30 ctS. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 ctS. 

Frank Converse's Complete Banjo Instructor Without a Master. Con- 
taining a choice collection of Banjo Solos and Hornpipes, WalkArounds, Reels and 
Jigs, Songs and Banjo Stories, progressively arranged and plainly explained, enabling 
the learner to become a proficient banjoist without the aid of a teacher. The neces- 
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of striking and the number of times it must be sounded. The Instructor is illustrated 
with diagrams and explanatoi-y symbols. 100 pages Bound in boards 50cts. 

Tony Denier's Parlor Tableaux or Living Pictures. Containing about 

eighty popular subjects, with plain and explicit directions for arranging the stage, 
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only. A great number of them introduce groups of boys, and many more groups of 
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ing and instructive as Tableaux 30 cts. 

North's Book of Love-Letters. With directions how to write and when 
to use them, and 120 Specimen Letters, suitable for Lovers of any age and condition, 
and under all circumstances. Interspersed with the author's comments thereon. The 
whole forming a convenient Hand-book of Taluable information and counsel for the 
use of those who need friendly guidance and advice in matters of Love, 
Courtship and Marriage. By Ingoldsby North. Bound in boards 50 ctS, 



FopTilar Books sent Free of Postage at the Prices annexed. 

READINGS AND RECITATIONS. 

Kavanaugh's Exhibition Heciter. For very Little Children. A collection 
of entirely Original Eecitations, Dialogues and short Speeches, adapted for very little 
boys and girls, including also a variety of pieces, humorous, serious and dramatic, 
suitable for children from Three to Ten years old, for public and private School Exhi- 
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It also includes a May-Day Festival lor very little children, and a number of beauti- 
ful Speaking Tableaux. By the author of " Kavanaugh's Juvenile Speaker." Bound 

in illuminated paper covers '30 CtS. 

Bound in illuminated board covers 50 CtS. 

Kavanaugh's Juvenile Speaker. For very tittle Boys and Girls. Con- 
taining short and easily-learned Speeches and Dialogues, expressly adapted for School 
Celebrations, May-Day Festivals and other Children's Entertainments, embracing one 
kundred and twenty-three effective pieces. By Mrs. Enssell Kavanaugh, JUuminated 

paper cover 30 CtS. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtS. 

Dick's Series of Recitations and Readings, Nos. Ito 15. Comprising 

a carefully compiled selection of Humorous, Pathetic, Eloquent, Patriotic and Senti- 
mental Pieces in Poetry and Prose, exclusively designed for Kecitation or Beading. 
Edited by Win. B. Dick. Each number of the Series contains about ISO pages. Illumi- 
nated paper cover, each 30 CtS. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtS. 

Beeeher's Recitations and Readings. Humorous, Serious, Dramatic, 
including Prose and Poetical Selections in Dutch, Yankee, Irish, Negro and other Dia- 
lects. 180 pages, paper covers 30 ctS. 

Bound in ooards, cloth back 50 CtS, 

Howard's Recitations. Comic, Serious and Pathetic. Being a collection 
of fresh Recitations in Prose and Poetry, suitable for Exhibitions and Evening Parties, 

180 pages, paper covers 30 CtS. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtS. 

Spencer's Book of Comic Speeches and Humorous Recitations. A 

collection of Comic Speeches, Humorous Prose and Poetical Eecitations, Laughable 

Dramatic Scenes and Eccentric Dialect Stories. 192 pages, paper covers 30 Cts- 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 CtS. 

Wilson's Book of Recitations and Dialogues. Containing a choice 

selection of Poetical and Prose Eecitations. Designed as an Assistant to Teachers and 

Students iu preparing Exhibitions. 188 pages, paper covers 30 CtS. 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 ctS. 

Barton's Comic Recitations and Humorous Dialogues. A variety of 

Comic Eecitations, in Prose and Poetry, Eccentric Orations and Laughable Interludes. 

180 pages, paper covers 30 Cts. 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 CiS. 

Brudder Bones' Book of Stump Speeches and Burlesque Orations. 

Also containing Humoroiis Lectures, Ethiopian Dialogues, Plantation Scenes, Negro 
Farces and Burlesques, Laughable Interludes and Comic Eecitations. 188 pages. 

Paper covers 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, illuminated 50 CtS. 

Burbank's Recitations and Readings. A collection of Humorous, Dra- 
matic and Dialect Selections, edited and arranged for Public Beading or Eecitation, by 
Alfred P. Burbauk; and containing many choice selections never before in print, as 
well as some old favorites. 16mo, paper cover 25 CtS. 

Martine's Droll Dialogues and Laughable Recitations. A collection of 

Humorous Dialogues, Comic Eecitations, Brilliant Burlesques and Spirited Stump 

Speeches. 188 pages, paper covers 30 Ct?. 

Bound iu boards, with cloth back 50 cts. 

WE WILL SEND A CATALOGUE, a ntaining a complete list of all the 
pieces in each qf the above books, to any persons who will send lis their address. 



-/ Wri Kf 



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